Carib Scope

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  • Into the Blue: Williamsville teen redefines freediving in TT

    Into the Blue: Williamsville teen redefines freediving in TT

    In an extraordinary display of athletic prowess and mental fortitude, 18-year-old Victoria Deonarine from Trinidad and Tobago has redefined the limits of national freediving. On November 21, during the Blue Element competition in Soufriere, Dominica, the St Stephen’s College student plunged to a breathtaking depth of 45 meters without breathing apparatus, shattering her previous national record of 40 meters and surpassing the men’s national record in the process.

    This remarkable achievement represents more than just a personal triumph—it marks a watershed moment for freediving in Trinidad and Tobago. The sport, which involves breath-holding until resurfacing rather than using scuba equipment, has historically flown under the radar in the twin-island nation despite its perfect aquatic environment.

    ‘Honestly, I’m still on a high from it,’ Deonarine confessed to Newsday. ‘It still feels surreal thinking about it because it is everything that I have been working towards and more.’

    The Williamsville native described entering uncharted territory during her record-breaking attempt. While she had reached 40 meters in training, the competition dive pushed her into entirely new depths. ‘I didn’t really know what to expect,’ she admitted. ‘In the past, I never would have dove as deep as that. So, I was a bit nervous.’

    However, Deonarine found her composure once she reached her starting position, surrounded by safety divers. ‘I felt calm, I felt capable because I knew that all of my training had prepared me for that specific moment,’ she recalled.

    Her triumphant resurfacing was marked by a heart-shaped hand gesture and the draping of the Trinidad and Tobago flag across her shoulders—a symbolic celebration of national pride. ‘I’m just really proud to be able to carry my flag to new depths, to represent TT by doing what I love,’ Deonarine expressed.

    The aftermath of her achievement has generated unexpected attention, with interview requests and messages from strangers sparking renewed interest in the sport. Deonarine sees this as an opportunity to promote freediving in her homeland. ‘We are an island surrounded by beautiful water, and so much can happen because people are just not really aware of freediving,’ she noted, highlighting the nation’s untapped potential for the sport.

    Her coach, Saif Mohammed of ‘Out and Under,’ attested to Deonarine’s rapid progression through intermediate freediver certification, advanced breath-hold training, and first responder preparation. Mohammed believes her capabilities extend beyond national records to potential world championship contention. ‘There is a possibility that she can even go up for world records and not just national records,’ he stated.

    Despite these aspirations, Deonarine remains grounded, prioritizing her academic commitments while maintaining training consistency. She envisions Trinidad and Tobago hosting international freediving competitions, particularly in Tobago, which could boost tourism and local participation.

    For now, the young athlete focuses on her examinations, but her historic dive suggests this breakthrough merely marks the beginning of an promising international career in freediving.

  • Artist Liz Gardener bares her Soul, Joy & Love

    Artist Liz Gardener bares her Soul, Joy & Love

    Following a 15-year absence from public exhibitions, Trinidadian artist Elizabeth “Liz” Gardner has emerged with a vibrant collection aimed at injecting joy into the world through her solo showcase “Soul, Joy & Love” at Horizons Art Gallery. The exhibition, running from December 9-19 in St. James, represents Gardner’s deliberate shift from private creation to public sharing despite her previous preference for maintaining a low profile.

    The collection features 38 predominantly figurative works executed primarily in oil paint, accompanied by ink-drawn wooden houses and mixed media pieces combining colored pencils with oil on canvas. Gardner describes the exhibition as both a celebration of earthly beauty and a commentary on contemporary society’s inauthentic and disturbing elements. Through depictions of traditional bélé dancers observed across Caribbean islands, the artist explores how dance, music, and the sea serve as unifying forces within the region.

    Gardner’s artistic philosophy centers on love as the fundamental force in human existence, particularly emphasizing divine love. She expresses hope that her creations will “speak to someone’s heart” and counteract what she perceives as a growing absence of genuine love in modern society.

    The artist’s return to exhibition coincides with her decision to pause her teaching career, which included seven years at Point Cumana RC Primary School where she developed specialized art programs for underserved communities. Gardner has concurrently maintained a 12-year philanthropic initiative supporting children through essential provisions and educational projects, funded entirely by her art sales.

    A graduate of Canada’s Fanshawe College with a degree in painting and graphic design, Gardner brings 30 years of professional experience across multiple creative disciplines including film, theater, printing, and fashion. She describes artists as perpetual creators who “feast” on their respective mediums—whether visual, literary, or musical—interpreting the world through their artistic lenses.

    Looking forward, Gardner plans to expand her experimentation with mixed media techniques and water-based methods, continuing her artistic evolution while advocating for expanded arts education opportunities for Trinidad’s youth, whom she describes as possessing “blow-mind talent” capable of shining on international stages.

  • Signal Hill edge ‘Tigers’ to book intercol final spot

    Signal Hill edge ‘Tigers’ to book intercol final spot

    In a tense and dramatic semifinal clash at Hasely Crawford Stadium on December 6, Signal Hill Secondary School secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over St Anthony’s College to advance to the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Coca-Cola national intercol final. The decisive moment arrived in the 76th minute when substitute Siel Mills, who had just entered the pitch seconds earlier, calmly slotted the ball into an unguarded net. This opportunity emerged after St Anthony’s goalkeeper Necose Moore made a brilliant initial save against another substitute, Jahmiah Gibbes, but left his line exposed.

    The match, while lacking in technical refinement, compensated with intense drama and physical commitment. Signal Hill’s advancement was largely safeguarded by an exceptional performance from goalkeeper Kaleb Romeo, who made two critical saves in the closing stages against St Anthony’s key playmaker, Mordecai Ford. Romeo first denied a powerful left-footed strike from Ford in the 82nd minute and then produced another spectacular stop deep into stoppage time to preserve his team’s narrow lead.

    Signal Hill now prepares for a highly anticipated championship rematch against Naparima College, the 2025 premier division champions who narrowly defeated St Augustine Secondary in their semifinal on December 5. This final confrontation carries added significance for the Tobago-based team, as Naparima College previously denied them the premier division title with a 2-1 victory on November 27, a result that ultimately pushed Signal Hill to third place in the league standings.

    The national intercol final is scheduled for December 10 at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, where Signal Hill will seek redemption and their first national crown against their familiar rivals from Naparima.

  • Pleasantville power into girls’ national intercol final

    Pleasantville power into girls’ national intercol final

    In a stunning display of offensive prowess and tactical discipline, Pleasantville Secondary School secured their place in the 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) girls’ intercol national final with a resounding 5-0 victory over defending champions St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain (SJCPoS). The highly anticipated semifinal clash at Hasely Crawford Stadium on December 6 transformed into a showcase of Pleasantville’s championship pedigree as they exacted revenge for last year’s penalty shootout defeat in the national finale.

    From the opening whistle, Pleasantville demonstrated their determination to control the narrative. National team standout Nikita Gosine, fresh from representing Trinidad and Tobago in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying action against Barbados just five days prior, immediately imposed her will on the match. The reigning SSFL Girls’ Player of the Year opened the scoring in just the second minute before doubling the advantage in the 13th minute with a clinical finish that left SJCPoS reeling.

    Despite entering halftime with a comfortable 2-0 lead, Pleasantville faced sustained pressure as SJCPoS mounted numerous offensive raids to begin the second half. Goalkeeper Akeila Marryshow emerged as a defensive stalwart, making crucial interventions including two spectacular saves against SJCPoS winger Emma Nieves who found herself in dangerous positions but failed to convert.

    The match’s turning point arrived in the 65th minute when Kaeley Martin capitalized on precise right-wing play to slot home from point-blank range, extending Pleasantville’s lead to 3-0. SJCPoS’s frustration compounded when standout performer Kaitlyn Darwent struck the base of the post after skillfully evading multiple defenders on the edge of the penalty area.

    Pleasantville sealed their emphatic victory with two additional second-half goals. Zara Chase, who previously recorded a hat-trick in the zonal finals, demonstrated composure beyond her years with a clinical 69th-minute finish past goalkeeper Alexia Dolland. Midfielder Natalia Gosine provided the exclamation point in the 77th minute, unleashing a spectacular curling effort from distance that dipped and swerved beyond Dolland’s reach.

    The comprehensive victory sets up a national championship showdown against east zonal champions Five Rivers Secondary on December 10. Five Rivers earned their finals berth with a narrow 1-0 victory over Tobago champions Signal Hill Secondary, courtesy of an eighth-minute goal from national youth team player Hackeemar Goodridge in the simultaneous semifinal at the Hasely Crawford training field.

  • Nuanced approach to gaming tax needed

    Nuanced approach to gaming tax needed

    Hospitality associations in Trinidad and Tobago are mounting strong opposition against the government’s planned gaming amusement tax increase, warning of severe consequences for community bars and their employees.

    The Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Bars and Restaurants (TTCOBAR) alongside the Barkeepers Owners/Operators Association (BOATT) have issued forceful complaints regarding the proposed measure that would raise annual taxes per gambling machine from $6,000 to $25,000—an increase exceeding 400%. Industry representatives argue this dramatic hike would devastate hundreds of neighborhood bars that rely on machine revenues to maintain financial viability.

    This perspective has gained support from the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Service Industries, which has called for collaborative dialogue before implementation. Currently, approximately 60% of the nation’s 2,500 bars operate known gambling devices, with many establishments risking substantial fines for undisclosed machines due to the lucrative returns.

    The financial mechanics of these machines reveal why they’re so attractive to bar owners. After covering acquisition costs and annual taxes, the machines generate revenue without additional staffing requirements, sick leave, or drink-mixing services. They efficiently extract cash from patrons while creating no new employment opportunities.

    Unlike social bar games like pool or darts that encourage customer interaction and extended stays, these electronic gambling devices promote solitary, focused use. Despite their colorful interfaces and the softened term “gaming,” they constitute sophisticated gambling technology with lower payout rates than those offered in private members’ clubs.

    Bar owners already anticipate staff reductions to offset the new tax burden. There are also concerns that increased taxation might drive more operators to conceal their machines, potentially undermining tax collection efforts.

    Globally, taxes on gambling devices typically fund specific programs, including rehabilitation services for compulsive gamblers. The current proposal appears to be part of broader government efforts to finance programs through taxes that target harmful behaviors, though stakeholders argue the approach requires more nuanced consideration than a blunt tax increase.

  • Emily sings from the heart

    Emily sings from the heart

    A remarkable musical phenomenon is emerging from Lower Barrackpore, where 10-year-old Emily Roopnarine demonstrates vocal prowess that defies her youthful age. The standard four student at Rochard Douglas Presbyterian School, who maintains exceptional academic performance with Mathematics as her favorite subject, possesses a melodious voice that instantly captivates listeners and leaves audiences spellbound.

    Emily’s musical journey commenced unexpectedly at age four during a Sunday School concert, where she discovered an innate passion for performance. Under the nurturing guidance of her parents, Nancy and Deva Roopnarine, and through dedicated self-study via YouTube tutorials facilitated by her mother, Emily has cultivated her natural talent into refined artistry. Her repertoire now spans multiple genres, showcasing remarkable versatility for someone her age.

    The young vocalist has graced numerous prestigious platforms, including school productions, church programs, and special cultural functions. She has been featured twice on ‘Moments of Inspiration,’ a religious program spotlighting talented performers within Presbyterian communities. Her performance credentials include the National Day of Prayer at the National Council for Indian Culture’s Divali Nagar and the Rhythms ‘n Brews karaoke event.

    Two recent performances particularly stand out in Emily’s budding career. On November 16, she delivered an unforgettable performance at Debe High School during a regional Christmas concert organized by her church, describing the experience as ‘ecstatic.’ Earlier, on November 8, she achieved what she considers her pinnacle performance to date at her school’s cultural show held at Vickar’s Country Club.

    Despite experiencing pre-performance nerves, Emily has developed effective techniques to manage stage anxiety by immersing herself in the music and allowing the melody to guide her delivery. She maintains academic excellence through disciplined time management, balancing school responsibilities with her musical pursuits.

    For Emily, Christmas represents ‘a time of love, happiness and most of all, celebrating the birth of Jesus.’ Her seasonal favorite is ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,’ and she cherishes family gatherings and gift exchanges during the holiday period. Inspired by global pop sensation Ariana Grande, Emily aspires to professional performance career.

    Beyond music, Emily enjoys practicing art and karate. She maintains a special connection to her late grandmother, Basdaye (Katie) Dukhoo, who passed away four years ago, and draws strength from her supportive extended family including grandfather Errol Dukhoo, Uncle Andy, Aunt Natalie Rajkumar, and cousin Chad.

    Her mother expresses overwhelming pride in Emily’s accomplishments: ‘We are beaming with pride. Emily has blown us away with her incredible singing talent. We have watched her grow and progress through hard work and dedication for her love for singing. We are very proud parents, and we cannot wait to see where this journey takes her.’

    Emily’s advice to fellow young aspirants embodies her philosophy: ‘Follow your heart, believe in yourself, and dream big’—a mantra that continues to propel her extraordinary journey.

  • Vani Maharaj’s world of warmth – where Xmas is a way of life

    Vani Maharaj’s world of warmth – where Xmas is a way of life

    For interior designer Vani Maharaj, Christmas represents far more than seasonal decoration—it embodies profound emotional resonance, childhood nostalgia, and the very essence of her design philosophy. The creative force behind Trinidad-based luxury design firm Divine Living has transformed her lifelong fascination with the holiday into both professional inspiration and a personal mission to spread joy through intentional design.

    Maharaj’s journey into design began unconventionally. With academic credentials including a BBA in finance and a master’s in marketing from the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, she initially approached decorating as a hobby in 2010 before formally establishing Divine Living in 2019. The company now operates from two locations: a showroom on Stone Street, Port of Spain, and a design studio in Lange Park, Chaguanas, serving clients throughout Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean, and the United States.

    The designer credits her childhood environment—characterized by what she describes as ‘warmth, discipline, and quiet beauty’—for shaping her aesthetic sensibilities. ‘Our space was always warm, intentional and well cared for,’ Maharaj recalled. ‘It wasn’t about luxury, it was about the feeling a home could evoke.’ This early exposure to thoughtfully curated spaces nurtured an instinctive appreciation for beauty that would later define her career.

    Beyond aesthetic considerations, Maharaj emphasizes the importance of work ethic learned from her parents. ‘Through school, university, and my early career, I learned one consistent truth: the more effort I put in, the more I achieved.’ This philosophy continues to guide her approach to both business and creative endeavors.

    For Maharaj, the most rewarding aspect of her work lies in client reactions. ‘Handing over a completed home and seeing a client’s joy—sometimes tears, excitement and relief—is something indescribable,’ she shared. Particularly meaningful are messages received years later, especially during Christmas, showing homes maintained exactly as designed. ‘Knowing something I created continues to bring peace and happiness long after the project is finished makes every bit of effort worthwhile.’

    Her personal Christmas traditions reflect this same intentionality. Maharaj has developed elaborate family rituals, including theatrical Santa Claus experiences for her teenage son featuring handwritten North Pole scrolls and custom-made Santa sacks. ‘I would tell him Santa saved him for last because he was such a special boy,’ she laughed. These carefully crafted moments extend to an annual Gratitude Letter tradition, where family members document their thankfulness each Christmas season, preserving these letters in a keepsake box that has become ‘a beautiful archive of appreciation, growth and love.’

    Professionally, Maharaj approaches Christmas décor by focusing on mood creation through layered textures, neutral color palettes accented with festive sparkle, and strategic lighting. She incorporates signature elements like pearls and orchids while insisting decorations should be ‘playful, imaginative and full of little surprises.’ Even scent plays a role, with her favorite Fraser Fir candle from the Divine Living collection evoking immediate Christmas associations.

    Looking beyond seasonal design, Maharaj remains committed to mentorship and supporting women entrepreneurs through talks, forums, and informal guidance. She actively participates in charitable initiatives year-round, particularly during Christmas, believing that ‘giving back is one of the most powerful ways to use my skills, time, resources, connections and experiences to uplift others.’

    Future plans include expanding educational offerings through interior design classes and opening additional studio space in Port of Spain with certified in-house designers. For those seeking to build authentic, beautiful lives aligned with their passions, Maharaj advises beginning with self-understanding: ‘Begin with understanding yourself—your passions, values and the things that genuinely bring you joy. Don’t shy away from taking bold steps toward what excites you, even if it feels unfamiliar or unconventional.’

    Ultimately, Maharaj sees Christmas spirit as a year-round approach to living. ‘That feeling people get at Christmas—the warmth, the beauty, the sense of being cared for—that’s something I try to bring into everything I do, every single day. Christmas isn’t limited to one season—it is a way of living and expressing love throughout the year.’

  • No storm can stop Jamaica, declares Sandals boss Adam Stewart

    No storm can stop Jamaica, declares Sandals boss Adam Stewart

    Jamaica’s tourism sector is demonstrating remarkable resilience as industry leaders unite for a powerful post-hurricane recovery initiative. The movement gained momentum during Sandals Resorts International’s ‘Back to Jamaica’ town hall event, where executive chairman Adam Stewart received thunderous applause from over 350 travel advisors and industry professionals for his unwavering commitment to Jamaica’s recovery.

    The event, streamed live to 11,000 travel professionals across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Latin America, served as both a showcase of the newly unveiled Sandals Dunn’s River resort and a strategic recovery summit. Stewart emphatically declared that ‘no storm or weather event will stop Jamaica,’ setting the tone for a collaborative industry-wide approach that prioritizes national recovery over corporate profits.

    This display of solidarity featured influential supporters including ASTA President Zane Kerby, American Airlines Commercial Director Alexander Cavalcanti, Jamaican Director of Tourism Donovan White, and MBJ Airports head Shane Munroe. Together, they presented compelling evidence of Jamaica’s rapid restoration progress and operational readiness.

    Critical recovery metrics reveal substantial progress: 80% power restoration across the island, 80% water service restoration, and 55% of hotel rooms already operational—projected to reach 68% by December’s end and 80% by January. Transportation infrastructure remains fully functional with Sangster International Airport maintaining all 29 airlines and 48 routes, while American Airlines has actually increased flight capacity post-hurricane.

    The industry’s unified message—’charity helps, tourism sustains’—emphasizes that continued visitor support is crucial for long-term recovery. Travel advisors were urged to become ‘demand creators’ and communicate Jamaica’s readiness to clients worldwide, counterbalancing international media coverage of hurricane damage with stories of resilience and rapid rebuilding.

  • JBA launches final Wray & Nephew Fight Night of 2025

    JBA launches final Wray & Nephew Fight Night of 2025

    Jamaica’s boxing scene makes a powerful comeback this Saturday with the final Wray & Nephew Fight Night of the year, marking the first major sporting event since Hurricane Melissa devastated the island. The Jamaica Boxing Association (JBA) unveiled an explosive 10-bout card during a festive media briefing at Tracks & Records on Thursday, featuring three professional contests and seven amateur matches at Constant Spring Sports Complex.

    The event carries significance beyond sporting competition, serving as a fundraising platform for boxers affected by the hurricane’s destruction. JBA President Stephen Jones expressed initial doubts about hosting another event post-Melissa but acknowledged the overwhelming community demand for both entertainment and hurricane relief efforts.

    Professional fighter Jermaine Bowen set the tone with fiery predictions for his light heavyweight clash against Dominican Republic’s Julio “Dom Rep Bomber” Guerrero. “Straight knockout fi him,” Bowen declared. “Two place him can end up, flat pan him back or flat pan him face. Come out come see pure demolition at this fight.”

    The card also showcases unbeaten prospect Juzier “IronMan” Heron against Dominican Republic’s Jonaury Moreta in a super welterweight contest, while debutant Daniel Hylton faces Demar Haslam in another light heavyweight bout.

    Western Jamaica coach Jasmine Graham revealed the hurricane’s traumatic impact on boxers, noting many lost homes, clothing, and food security. “The gym is a safe haven for them,” Graham explained, emphasizing the psychological toll and her efforts to foster resilience. Two amateur boxers from her Montego Bay gym will compete on Saturday’s card, symbolizing the sport’s role in community recovery.

  • Picking up the Pelican Bar pieces

    Picking up the Pelican Bar pieces

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating path through Jamaica, a story of resilience emerges from the coastal community of Parottee, St. Elizabeth. Denever ‘Floyd’ Forbes, proprietor of the world-renowned Pelican Bar, is spearheading a determined reconstruction effort after the Category 5 hurricane obliterated his establishment with a monumental 16-foot wave on October 28.

    The unique beach bar, situated approximately one mile offshore on a natural sandbar, was completely uprooted from its foundations during the storm. Rather than being dismantled piecemeal, the entire structure was lifted and scattered across the shoreline. Forbes has been meticulously gathering the salvageable materials, including wooden boards bearing sentimental inscriptions from past visitors, to rebuild the beloved institution.

    This marks the second reconstruction for Forbes, who initially built the structure as a personal retreat in 2001 before transforming it into a commercial bar following popular demand. The first iteration was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, with the rebuilt version surviving Hurricane Beryl in 2023 before succumbing to Melissa’s unprecedented force.

    The Pelican Bar’s significance extends far beyond tourism, serving as the economic lifeline for the entire Parottee community. With local fisheries decimated by the hurricane—fishing traps were entirely lost—the bar provided crucial secondary income for residents who operated tour boats and supported operations. Typically hosting 100-150 visitors daily, the establishment attracted international celebrities including Chris Brown and Chris Gayle, offering fresh seafood and cold drinks in a unique oceanic setting.

    Forbes acknowledges the impossibility of fortifying against Melissa’s intensity, describing how the hurricane’s power extracted the bar’s foundational poles ‘like pencils from fingers.’ Despite lacking a definitive timeline, he estimates a two-month reconstruction based on previous experience, promising a larger yet similarly designed structure that maintains the authentic experience visitors cherished.

    The community eagerly anticipates the bar’s return, which represents not just economic revival but the restoration of a cultural landmark that transformed from personal hideaway to global destination, embodying Jamaica’s resilient spirit in the face of natural disaster.