Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Prime Minister gives police 12 more refurbished vehicles

    Prime Minister gives police 12 more refurbished vehicles

    The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has significantly enhanced the operational capabilities of its national police force through the official handover of 12 refurbished vehicles. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, alongside Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, presented the vehicles during a ceremony held at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s, Port of Spain on December 12.

    This strategic investment forms part of a broader governmental commitment to deliver 50 refurbished vehicles to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) by year’s end, with 14 vehicles having been transferred just last week. The initiative aims to substantially strengthen law enforcement effectiveness across the nation.

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar emphasized that these additional resources will dramatically improve police responsiveness to emergencies while expanding geographical coverage capabilities. The enhanced mobility will directly support frontline officers in crime prevention and public protection duties, representing a tangible implementation of the government’s resource allocation strategy.

    The vehicle refurbishment program underscores the administration’s dedication to providing practical, impactful tools that yield lasting results in national security efforts. The Prime Minister characterized this delivery as another fulfilled promise to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, demonstrating the government’s ongoing commitment to actionable solutions rather than mere rhetoric in addressing public safety concerns.

  • RABZ 9 goes down at Sound Forge

    RABZ 9 goes down at Sound Forge

    The vibrant combat sports scene in Trinidad and Tobago is set to ignite as RABZ Fight Promotions presents its annual Christmas Fight Night on December 13th. The Sound Forge venue in Mucurapo will transform into an arena of athletic excellence from 7 PM to 1 AM, featuring an electrifying combination of kickboxing and mixed martial arts competitions.

    This year’s event showcases three championship-caliber bouts following six preliminary matches that will set the stage for the evening’s main attractions. The fight card promises to deliver both technical mastery and raw power, highlighted by a historic trilogy fight that has captured local martial arts enthusiasts’ attention.

    The heavyweight division will witness a compelling international clash as Trinidad and Tobago’s own Liam Chin Choy prepares to face Cuba’s formidable Yuray Preval in the 200+ weight class championship. Meanwhile, newly-crowned featherweight champion Zachary Gonsalves returns to defend his title against determined local challenger Damani Adams in the 145-pound division.

    The most anticipated matchup of the evening features Le Shaun Moreno and Joshua James settling their rivalry in a decisive MMA welterweight trilogy bout. After splitting victories in their previous encounters, this final meeting at 170 pounds promises to deliver a conclusive chapter to their competitive saga.

    The preliminary card features six exciting matchups: Varenyam Maharaj vs Levi Salloum (165lbs), Samuel Negrin vs Emmanuel Jugmohan (190lbs), Alexi Mc Deigan vs Aaimar John (145lbs), Micah Espinet vs Tyle Neptune (130lbs), Olujimi Bradshaw vs Joshua Besson (130lbs), and Nevin Byer vs Aiden Rampaul (145lbs).

    RABZ Fight Promotions emphasizes that this event represents the pinnacle of Caribbean combat sports, bringing together elite athletes from multiple disciplines for a night of championship-level competition during the holiday season.

  • Local golf pro Peter “Scorpion” Lutchmansingh dies

    Local golf pro Peter “Scorpion” Lutchmansingh dies

    The Caribbean sports world is grieving the passing of golf icon Peter “Scorpion” Lutchmansingh, whose remarkable six-decade career profoundly shaped Trinidad and Tobago’s golf landscape. The legendary professional, celebrated for his extraordinary talent and mentorship, passed away on December 12 after an extended period of illness.

    Lutchmansingh’s incredible journey began in 1955 as a young caddy, eventually propelling him to become one of the Caribbean’s top three golfers during his competitive prime. His career reached international prominence when he competed alongside golfing royalty Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, cementing his status as a regional sporting great.

    The St Andrew’s Golf Club, where Lutchmansingh nurtured generations of golfers, commemorated his extraordinary contributions. His legendary status was built not only on tournament successes but on breathtaking creativity that became his trademark. The iconic moment that earned him the “Scorpion” nickname occurred during the 1960s Jamaica Open, where he executed an impossible chip shot by strategically banking the ball off a wall directly into the hole from an severely constrained position.

    Beyond his competitive brilliance, Lutchmansingh was recognized for his highly unorthodox yet devastatingly effective putting technique—consistently striking with the putter’s heel while elevating the toe. This unconventional method, combined with his precision and composure under pressure, made him a formidable opponent on any green.

    In his later years, Lutchmansingh extended his influence to Tobago, dedicating himself to “Let’s Learn to Golf Tobago,” a nonprofit organization established in 2021. Founder Arifa Bansal remembered him as “more than a coach—he was a mentor, friend, and guiding light whose kindness, patience, and dedication touched every life he encountered.”

    Lutchmansingh’s legacy encompasses extraordinary talent, profound humility, and lifelong dedication to nurturing future generations of golfers, leaving an indelible mark on Caribbean sports history.

  • Watts meets off-spinner Karishma Ramharack to advance women’s cricket

    Watts meets off-spinner Karishma Ramharack to advance women’s cricket

    In a significant development for Trinidad and Tobago’s sporting landscape, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts convened a strategic meeting with national women’s cricket team captain Karishma Ramharack on December 11. The high-level discussion, attended by the ministry’s permanent secretary Penelope Bradshaw-Niles and Ramharack’s sister Mariah (a prominent broadcaster), focused on comprehensive plans to advance women’s cricket infrastructure and opportunities across the nation.

    The 30-year-old cricket standout, recently honored as TTCB’s Female International Cricketer of the Year in October, brings impressive credentials to the conversation. Ramharack led Trinidad and Tobago’s women’s squad to a silver-medal performance at the recent Bolivarian Games in Peru, where the team dominated the round-robin stage with four consecutive victories before falling to Jamaica in the December 7 championship match.

    According to official communications from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, the dialogue centered on creating sustainable pathways for emerging female athletes, strengthening support systems, and expanding national representation opportunities. The ministry’s social media channels characterized the meeting as part of ongoing efforts to ‘elevate women’s cricket in TT’ through structural enhancements and developmental initiatives.

    Ramharack responded to the ministerial engagement through her social media platform with a succinct yet powerful statement: ‘No words…just actions. Pleasure to meet the Minister of Sports!’ This encounter marks a notable collaboration between athletic leadership and government officials aimed at transforming the future of women’s cricket in the Caribbean nation.

  • Unit Trust renews commitment to youth with Jabloteh partnership

    Unit Trust renews commitment to youth with Jabloteh partnership

    The Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) has solidified its continued commitment to youth empowerment in Trinidad and Tobago through the renewal of its strategic partnership with San Juan Jabloteh Sports Club. This collaboration represents a comprehensive approach to developing young athletes beyond their sporting capabilities, integrating financial literacy education with athletic training and character development.

    During a formal ceremony marking the partnership extension, UTC was represented by executive director Nigel Edwards, chief sales and marketing officer Deyson Scott, and head of marketing Hema Ramkissoon. The San Juan Jabloteh delegation included club chairman Nirad Tewarie and general manager Phillip Fraser.

    Edwards emphasized the strategic nature of the initiative, stating: “Our objective extends beyond athletic development to encompass financial empowerment. We aim to provide these young sportspeople with the essential knowledge to transform their on-field achievements into lifelong financial security, thereby building stable futures for themselves and their communities.”

    The partnership features an innovative mentorship program that connects aspiring athletes with UTC professionals across various departments including finance, technology, and customer service. This exposure to real-world professional environments complements their academic pursuits and athletic training, preparing them for multifaceted success.

    San Juan Jabloteh, renowned for its youth development infrastructure, offers extensive training and guidance programs that channel young talent toward positive engagement opportunities. Chairman Tewarie acknowledged the significance of UTC’s support, particularly following the club’s hiatus from the TT Professional Football League.

    “UTC’s commitment provides crucial stability for our athletic development programs while strengthening community connections,” Tewarie noted. “The financial literacy workshops represent the most valuable component of this holistic model, ensuring our members emerge as well-prepared adults equipped with tools for long-term stability.”

    The renewed collaboration will maintain financial education sessions for athletes and their families, synchronizing UTC’s wealth creation mission with Jabloteh’s objective of cultivating capable, well-rounded individuals. This initiative aligns with UTC’s broader financial literacy campaign that has reached approximately 2,000 citizens through 80 workshops across public and private sectors this year, including partnerships with Trinbago Knight Riders, Nicky P Batting Academy, and SporTT’s elite athlete program.

  • PM, top cop after 2.2 tonnes of ‘creepy marijuana’ seized in 24 hours: Drug hauls save lives

    PM, top cop after 2.2 tonnes of ‘creepy marijuana’ seized in 24 hours: Drug hauls save lives

    Trinidad and Tobago’s law enforcement agencies have intercepted a massive narcotics shipment totaling 2.2 tonnes of marijuana with an estimated street value of $227 million within a 24-hour period. The dual operations, conducted on December 11, represent one of the most significant drug busts in recent history.

    The first seizure occurred at Caroni Swamp Bird Sanctuary where authorities discovered 1,560 kilograms of cannabis valued at $171 million. Hours later, officers confiscated an additional 600 kilograms worth $56 million along South Central Road in Point Fortin. Despite the substantial haul, no arrests were made during either operation.

    Government officials have attributed these successes to the controversial AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR radar system installed by United States forces at ANR International Airport in Tobago. Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers praised the technological advancement, stating: “We are very pleased that those national security apparatuses are working together cohesively with the TT Defence force and with assistance from the US. The success in such a short period is a testament to how strong the relationship is.”

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar characterized the seizures as “a significant blow to criminal networks” during her address at a Caribbean Examinations Council awards ceremony. The radar system has been at the center of political debate amid geopolitical tensions between the US and Venezuela, with opposition figures expressing sovereignty concerns and demanding transparency.

    Minister Sobers defended the security partnership while maintaining discretion about operational specifics: “If we go out telling everyone our trade secrets, not only would the civil citizens of TT be aware, but criminals might be aware of what we are doing to fight crime.” He additionally revealed ongoing energy discussions with US officials regarding OFAC licenses for gas fields involving bpTT and Shell.

    Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro addressed public concerns about the absence of arrests, explaining that operational safety took precedence over apprehensions. Investigations into both drug seizures remain active.

  • Angostura launches 420 rum drink in Suriname

    Angostura launches 420 rum drink in Suriname

    Trinidad-based spirits manufacturer Angostura Holdings Ltd has achieved a significant milestone in its regional expansion strategy with the inaugural shipment of its premium ready-to-drink rum beverage, 420, to Suriname. The December 12 shipment marks the latest market entry for the product that has been rapidly gaining traction across the Caribbean basin.

    During a media conference at the House of Angostura warehouse in Laventille, Group Chairman Gary Hunt characterized the Suriname launch as a strategic evolution in the company’s product portfolio. “While our iconic bitters and award-winning rums remain the foundation of our global reputation, 420 signals Angostura’s deliberate entry into the ready-to-drink segment,” Hunt stated, emphasizing the company’s adaptation to consumer preferences for convenience, quality, and flavor integration.

    The 420 beverage has demonstrated remarkable market performance since its April launch, exceeding commercial expectations and expanding to multiple territories including Antigua, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Kitts, and St. Vincent. Hunt attributed this success to the product’s resonance with contemporary Caribbean consumers, particularly millennials and Generation Z demographics who increasingly favor ready-to-drink formats.

    Angostura is leveraging its centuries-old blending expertise to capitalize on emerging market trends. “We are utilizing our master blenders’ capabilities, knowledge, and know-how to develop superior products that deliver better vibes and better taste,” Hunt explained, highlighting the company’s commitment to innovation-driven commercial strategy.

    Feature speaker Sean Sobers, Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, endorsed Angostura’s approach as exemplary for regional manufacturers seeking to maintain industry relevance. “By leveraging new demands and markets, Angostura continues to place local goods on foreign shelves while exploring investment attraction and global business connection strengthening,” Minister Sobers remarked.

    The government official further emphasized the importance of commercial diplomacy, noting ongoing efforts to recalibrate overseas missions to complement strategic ministerial plans. This recalibration occurs in collaboration with the local business sector to address Trinidad and Tobago’s specific trade and investment requirements through enhanced public-private partnerships.

    The company’s expansion initiative has already demonstrated tangible financial impacts, with Angostura’s nine-month consolidated financial report for the period ending September 30 attributing three percent domestic growth to the successful introduction of its ready-to-drink product line.

  • Keston Howell named new BATT executive director

    Keston Howell named new BATT executive director

    The Bankers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BATT) has unveiled Keston Howell as its newly appointed executive director, marking a significant leadership transition for the nation’s premier banking organization. Howell assumes the role following Kelly Bute-Seaton’s decade-long tenure, bringing with him an impressive three-decade career within the financial services industry.

    According to an official association release, Howell’s extensive background includes senior executive positions across major financial institutions. His professional portfolio demonstrates particular strength in industry development, evidenced by his active participation in key sector bodies such as the Securities Dealers Association of TT (SDATT) and the Association of TT Insurance Companies (ATTIC).

    BATT’s statement emphasized that Howell’s cross-sectoral experience has cultivated a comprehensive understanding of the financial services ecosystem, establishing him as a recognized proponent of transparent, consumer-focused banking practices. His advocacy for responsible financial services has positioned him as a respected voice within Trinidad and Tobago’s banking community.

    The association outlined Howell’s mandate to spearhead strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing public engagement and advancing financial literacy nationwide. His leadership will focus on driving economic revitalization efforts, championing business-friendly solutions, and accelerating the digital transformation of Trinidad and Tobago’s financial infrastructure.

    BATT further noted that Howell remains dedicated to ensuring the banking sector’s continued contribution to national development, with emphasis on sustainable economic growth, technological innovation, and long-term financial stability for all citizens. His appointment signals the association’s commitment to modernizing financial services while maintaining consumer protection as a central priority.

  • Angostura boss on Caroni Bitters launch: Let’s get all the facts

    Angostura boss on Caroni Bitters launch: Let’s get all the facts

    Amid the quiet launch of Caroni Bitters by former executive Vidia Doodnath, Angostura Holdings chairman Gary Hunt has adopted a measured corporate stance, declining to disclose the renowned rum and bitters manufacturer’s specific response strategy. Hunt addressed journalists during a media briefing at the House of Angostura on Eastern Main Road, Port of Spain, where the company celebrated its inaugural shipment of the Ready to Drink product ‘420’.

    When questioned about the emerging competition, Hunt characterized the situation as ‘delicate’ and requiring thorough examination. ‘I will not make any judgements or pronouncements at this time,’ Hunt stated. ‘The matter is receiving our fullest attention, and we are responding appropriately. We must gather all facts before providing a comprehensive response.’

    Despite his reserved commentary, Hunt explicitly confirmed he was not surprised by Doodnath’s market entry. He also revealed that Angostura had not initiated contact with its former executive since learning of Caroni Bitters’ December 7 launch.

    The new competitor directly challenges Angostura’s global bitters dominance, which has maintained its secret recipe for nearly two centuries. Founded in 1824 by Dr. Johann Siegert as medicinal stomach remedy, Angostura Bitters evolved through his sons’ migration to Trinidad, where Don Carlos Siegert transformed it into a cocktail and culinary essential.

    The company’s market position appears robust despite new competition. Recent financial disclosures show an 8% revenue increase from $698 million in 2024 to $757 million in 2025, with post-tax profits rising 10% to $104 million for the nine-month period ending September 30.

    Angostura’s industry accolades reinforce its market strength. The company’s Orange Bitters variation was recognized as both the top-selling and top-trending bitters globally in 2018 by Drinks International, additionally receiving the platinum medal at the Spirits International Prestige Awards that same year.

    Attempts by Newsday to reach Doodnath through her husband on December 12 were unsuccessful, with sources indicating she was indisposed and would return contact. No response was received by press time.

  • Two Men Slain in Vicious Robbery

    Two Men Slain in Vicious Robbery

    Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into a fatal armed robbery that resulted in the deaths of two delivery personnel on Thursday. The victims, identified as driver Raynard Garbutt Jr. and his coworker Robert Crawford, were discovered deceased after their Recinos Sarita distribution truck was targeted and abandoned along the Hummingbird Highway.

    Recinos Imports Ltd., the employing company, issued an official statement expressing profound sorrow: “On behalf of our entire organization and Sarita Division, we extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families during this devastating time.”

    The tragedy has triggered an outpouring of grief from relatives and community members. Azlyn Flo, mother of the slain driver Garbutt, delivered an emotional tribute through social media platforms, describing her son as a “hard-working, loving, humble baby boy” whose life was brutally cut short. She directly addressed the perpetrators, condemning their actions that left her one-month-old granddaughter fatherless.

    Additional family members echoed these sentiments, highlighting the broader societal implications of violent crime targeting working individuals. One relative emphasized how the incident exemplifies how “foolish violence disrupts lives engaged in honest labor,” noting the particular tragedy of robbing a child of paternal guidance and support.

    Former educators also joined the memorial expressions, with one of Garbutt’s previous teachers recalling him as a communicative and non-disruptive student whose potential was extinguished through “senseless violence.” The case continues to develop as law enforcement agencies pursue active investigative leads.