Carib Scope

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  • Legacy returns for Independence with ‘a show of nonstop hits’

    Legacy returns for Independence with ‘a show of nonstop hits’

    Saint Lucia’s highly anticipated annual entertainment spectacle, Legacy, is poised to make a triumphant return on February 7th at the Rodney Bay Pavilion. This cornerstone cultural event promises an electrifying fusion of nostalgia, vibrant Caribbean culture, and high-octane musical performances, serving as the official launchpad for the nation’s Independence festivities.

    Headlining this year’s star-studded roster is Destra Garcia, internationally acclaimed as the ‘undisputed Queen of Soca.’ The Trinidadian superstar brings her legendary catalogue of carnival anthems including ‘Lucy,’ ‘It’s Carnival,’ and ‘Just a Little Bit’ to the Saint Lucian stage.

    The production will showcase an impressive convergence of musical generations, uniting revered local calypso icons with emerging talents and regional superstars. The Saint Lucian contingent features former Soca Monarch champions Teddyson John, Arthur Allain, and Alpha—artists whose infectious rhythms have gained international recognition. They will be joined by current Triple Crown winner Dezral and supported by prominent local acts including Ashanti, Educator, Mantius, Blackeye, and Short Pants.

    Teddy Francis, co-creator of Legacy, emphasized the event’s significance beyond entertainment. “Audiences can anticipate a continuous stream of classic hits that will evoke powerful memories across decades,” Francis stated. “This event generates crucial early momentum for our Independence celebrations and consistently emerges as a seasonal highlight. More importantly, it facilitates invaluable cultural exchange between Caribbean icons and our homegrown talents.”

    Now in its eighth year, Legacy has fundamentally transformed Saint Lucia’s cultural landscape by liberating calypso and soca music from seasonal constraints. Francis noted the event’s lasting impact: “Legacy has successfully broken the cyclical nature that traditionally limited calypso to Carnival season. We’ve witnessed substantial artistic growth, expanded international exposure for our performers, and sustained promotion of these musical genres throughout the year.”

  • Alfred reigns again as athlete of the year

    Alfred reigns again as athlete of the year

    The Saint Lucia Athletics Association (SLAA) has celebrated exceptional athletic achievements and administrative dedication during its prestigious annual awards ceremony held January 24 at Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. Under the theme “A Legacy of Performance, A Future of Possibilities,” the federation recognized outstanding contributors across multiple categories.

    World Athletics bronze medalist Julien Alfred and quarter-miler Marvric Pamphile received the coveted Athletes of the Year honors for 2025. The ceremony also highlighted emerging talent, with double CARIFTA sprint champion Jady Emmanuel claiming Female Junior Athlete of the Year and record-breaking thrower Denzel Phillips securing Male Junior Athlete of the Year. Juvenile athletes Avery Maryat and Hadassah Jules were additionally recognized for their exceptional performances throughout the past competitive season.

    Coaching excellence was prominently featured as Denise Herman of Choiseul Athletics earned Coach of the Year distinction. Finley Louis from Abilene Wildcats received a special Coaching Dedication Award honoring two decades of continuous service to athletic development. Among technical officials, young volunteer Noya Alexander was acknowledged as the year’s top contributor.

    Former national Sportswoman of the Year Makeba Alcide received Administrator of the Year honors, while Choiseul Athletics dominated the event by securing three major awards. The gathering attracted significant political and institutional presence, including Minister for Youth Development, Sports, and Digital Transformation Kenson Casimir, alongside representatives from the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee and National Lotteries Authority.

    Highlighting the inspirational power of athletic achievement, corporate leader and former beauty queen Louise Victor-Frederick delivered a poignant address reflecting on her own athletic background and emphasizing how athletes like Alfred inspire beyond sports arenas. Media partner Vybe Radio received recognition for their ongoing coverage and promotion of athletic accomplishments.

  • LISTEN: PM Browne thanks Sir Robin for his “sacrifices” for Antigua and Barbuda

    LISTEN: PM Browne thanks Sir Robin for his “sacrifices” for Antigua and Barbuda

    The Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda will convene a special ceremonial session on February 18th to commemorate an extraordinary political milestone—Sir Robin Yearwood’s fifty years of continuous parliamentary service. Prime Minister Gaston Browne made the formal announcement during his weekly appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Browne and Browne’ program, revealing that the event will serve as the centerpiece of nationwide celebrations orchestrated by a specially appointed Cabinet committee.

    Prime Minister Browne expressed profound admiration for Sir Robin’s unprecedented achievement, noting, ‘This remarkable longevity represents an exceptional record not merely within our nation, but across the entire Caribbean region and potentially throughout the Commonwealth nations. To maintain both health and public trust across five decades demonstrates extraordinary dedication.’

    The Cabinet has established a select committee comprising Prime Minister Browne, Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin, and Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph to coordinate multifaceted commemorative activities. These will honor Sir Yearwood’s uninterrupted representation of the St. Philip’s North constituency since first taking office in 1974.

    Sir Robin Yearwood’s distinguished career includes ministerial leadership across critical portfolios including Agriculture, Public Works, and Finance. Despite approaching his octogenarian years, he maintains active political engagement and robust health. The government is collaborating with Sir Robin’s family members to design appropriate tributes that properly reflect his enduring legacy.

    Beyond the parliamentary ceremony, celebrations will include constituency-level events and separate commemorations organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party. Prime Minister Browne emphasized that such prolonged service necessitates both exceptional personal resilience and sustained voter confidence, stating, ‘The public’s enduring trust remains the fundamental requirement for such longevity. In this regard, Sir Robin represents a truly special case in Caribbean political history.’

  • PM Signals Possible Extension for Shell Beach Investment Deadline

    PM Signals Possible Extension for Shell Beach Investment Deadline

    Antigua and Barbuda’s government is considering extending the January 30 deadline for investment proposals in the Shell Beach development project following unexpectedly strong public interest. Prime Minister Gaston Browne revealed during his weekly appearance on Pointe FM’s ‘Browne and Browne’ program that both the government and the National Asset Management Company (NAMCO) are evaluating the possibility of prolonging the submission period.

    Browne emphasized that the substantial response from potential investors has prompted authorities to reconsider the original timeline. ‘Given the level of interest, we may have to extend it,’ the Prime Minister stated, referring to the current cutoff date for project proposals.

    The National Asset Management Company, which oversees the evaluation process, is currently assessing both formal submissions and general public response to determine whether an extension would facilitate broader participation. Browne highlighted that the primary objective remains ensuring inclusive investment opportunities, particularly for ordinary citizens of Antigua and Barbuda.

    The Shell Beach initiative represents a strategic effort to expand local involvement in tourism-related investments through innovative accommodation models similar to Airbnb platforms. The project offers both beachfront and inland lots complemented by government concessions to stimulate domestic investment in the tourism sector.

    Any final decision regarding deadline adjustments will be formally communicated through NAMCO, which maintains responsibility for managing the entire proposal evaluation process. The potential extension demonstrates the government’s commitment to balancing administrative timelines with public accessibility, particularly when encountering substantial citizen engagement.

  • US-led task force steps up Caribbean maritime security operations

    US-led task force steps up Caribbean maritime security operations

    A multinational task force under U.S. leadership has significantly escalated its campaign against illicit maritime operations throughout the Caribbean basin. This strategic intensification follows a series of recent interdictions targeting vessels violating international sanctions regimes in the region.

    Designated as Operation Southern Spear, this comprehensive initiative represents a coordinated effort spanning multiple U.S. government agencies. The operation brings together specialized capabilities from the Department of Defense, Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Justice in a unified front against transnational criminal networks.

    Military assets operating under United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) are providing extensive operational support across the Caribbean theater. Defense officials characterize these efforts as crucial for disrupting criminal logistics chains, preventing sanctions evasion, and protecting vital national security interests.

    The joint task force, identified as Joint Task Force Southern Spear, emphasized that recent successful interdictions demonstrate the high state of readiness and operational capability of deployed forces. These maritime interventions form part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal infrastructure and strengthen regional maritime security frameworks.

    Operation Southern Spear constitutes a key component of the White House and Department of Defense’s hemispheric security strategy, specifically addressing threats including illegal trafficking, sanctions violations, and other maritime-based challenges. While operational specifics remain classified, the initiative reflects an ongoing commitment to maintaining maritime domain awareness and enforcement capabilities throughout the Caribbean region.

  • VIDEO: Accident in Roger affects power across the island

    VIDEO: Accident in Roger affects power across the island

    Residents across several communities are experiencing service disruptions after a significant incident damaged critical electrical infrastructure. The Dominica Electricity Services Limited (DOMLEC) has officially confirmed that an accident occurred in the Roger area, resulting in substantial damage to one of its primary utility poles. The compromised infrastructure has triggered a widespread power outage, affecting numerous sections of the island. Emergency repair crews have been immediately dispatched to the site to assess the damage and initiate restoration procedures. DOMLEC has advised customers to prepare for potential extended service interruptions while crews work to safely repair the damaged equipment and restore full power. The company has pledged to provide further updates on the estimated restoration time as the situation develops and more information becomes available from the accident site. The cause of the initial accident that led to the pole damage is currently under investigation by the relevant authorities.

  • Medical students enter clinical training at MCM white coat ceremony

    Medical students enter clinical training at MCM white coat ceremony

    The Metropolitan College of Medicine (MCM) celebrated a significant academic milestone this weekend with its annual White Coat Ceremony, formally initiating approximately 45 medical students into the clinical phase of their professional training. The prestigious event, held at the Royalton Hotel on Saturday, recognized students across MD1 to MD5 levels who are now advancing to hands-on medical practice.

    This ceremonial coating comes as many students are already engaged in clinical rotations across various healthcare facilities, including private clinics and the prominent Mount St John’s Medical Centre. Their practical training encompasses essential medical disciplines such as paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and psychiatry.

    The incoming cohort demonstrates notable diversity, comprising around 25 international students from India, Nigeria, the United States, and Pakistan, alongside local Antiguan scholars including Jason Mansoor.

    More than just a tradition, the White Coat Ceremony serves as a rite of passage that emphasizes the profession’s core values. It represents a solemn commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical professionalism, ethical practice, and compassionate patient-centered care throughout their evolving medical careers.

  • TTFA president lauds progress of national youth teams

    TTFA president lauds progress of national youth teams

    Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards has expressed strong optimism about the nation’s youth football development programs as multiple national teams engage in critical CONCACAF competitions. The association’s commitment to developing young talent appears to be yielding promising results across various age groups.

    The under-17 women’s team, currently competing in Willemstad, Curaçao, demonstrated remarkable resilience in their opening match against hosts Curaçao on January 24, fighting back to secure a 2-2 draw after trailing twice. Under coach Ayana Russell, the squad faces crucial Group F matches against Barbados (January 28) and El Salvador (February 1), with the group winner and two best second-place teams advancing to the final qualification round.

    Edwards emphasized the significance of these developments in an official statement: “The TTFA is encouraged by the continued progress being demonstrated across our national youth programmes. We extend our full support and best wishes to our under-17 women’s national team as they continue their CONCACAF qualifying campaign.”

    The men’s youth teams are similarly positioned for important competitions. The under-17 squad, guided by coach Randolph Boyce, will host the CONCACAF Men’s Under-17 qualifiers from February 3-12, facing Barbados, Mexico, Saint Martin, and Sint Maarten. Meanwhile, Marvin Gordon’s under-20 team will compete in their qualifiers in Costa Rica from February 23 to March 4.

    Preparation matches have shown encouraging results. The under-20 team displayed offensive prowess with decisive victories over St Vincent and Grenadines (6-0) and AC Port of Spain’s second team (5-0), though they were held to a 1-1 draw by Grenada in their final preparatory match.

    The association’s technical development efforts extend beyond the pitch, with acting technical director Devin Elcock recently attending a FIFA Technical Leadership Workshop in Barbados from January 12-16. Edwards highlighted this comprehensive approach: “By investing in our young players, providing meaningful international exposure and strengthening our technical leadership, we’re laying a solid foundation for sustained success.”

    This strategic focus on youth development represents a concerted effort to elevate Trinidad and Tobago’s football program to greater regional and international competitiveness.

  • Griffith urges CoP: Use the bodycams

    Griffith urges CoP: Use the bodycams

    Former Trinidad and Tobago Police Commissioner Gary Griffith has issued a forceful demand for transparency regarding approximately 1,200 body-worn cameras acquired during his administration that remain unused. This call comes amid growing public outrage over a controversial police shooting in St. Augustine that resulted in the death of Joshua Samaroo and left his common-law wife Kaia Sealy paralyzed.

    The incident, captured on CCTV footage that has since gone viral, shows Samaroo with his hands raised in what appears to be a surrender gesture moments before officers opened fire. This visual evidence directly contradicts the official police account that claimed officers were fired upon during the January 20th encounter.

    Griffith emphasized that the body camera initiative was specifically designed to prevent such contentious situations. “Twelve hundred body cameras for 7,000 police officers is more than adequate,” he stated, explaining that his administration had established strict operational protocols requiring officers to activate cameras during all patrols, roadblocks, and operations. The system included accountability measures where officers signed for equipment and supervisors verified proper usage.

    The former commissioner accused current Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro of deliberately ignoring standing orders mandating camera use. Griffith further questioned why multiple accountability measures implemented under his leadership—including tasers, pepper spray, online reporting systems, a police app, GPS vehicle tracking, and live feed cameras—had been discontinued.

    In a concerning revelation, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander disclosed to the Senate that a $24.9 million contract for 3,000 additional body cameras had been terminated to cut costs. Commissioner Guevarro later justified this decision by claiming the contract involved inflated prices, with cameras priced at $8,000 per unit compared to market rates of $2,500-$3,000.

    The Police Complaints Authority has joined the call for body camera implementation, stating that such technology would “enhance accountability, transparency, and public confidence in policing.” Public trust in the police service has dramatically declined from 59% during Griffith’s tenure to just 8% according to recent surveys, highlighting the urgent need for reform.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Tuesday January 27th 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Tuesday January 27th 2026

    The global dietary supplement market is facing renewed critical examination as health experts and regulatory bodies call for greater transparency and scientific validation of product claims. This multi-billion dollar industry, which encompasses everything from vitamins and minerals to herbal extracts and performance enhancers, operates within a complex regulatory framework that often prioritizes commerce over conclusive clinical evidence.

    Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, supplements are not required to undergo rigorous pre-market approval for efficacy by agencies like the FDA. This regulatory gap has created a marketplace where bold health assertions frequently outpace substantiated scientific research. Current analyses reveal significant discrepancies between marketing materials and actual biochemical impacts, with many products demonstrating negligible effects in controlled studies.

    Medical professionals are increasingly warning consumers about potential risks including improper dosing, contamination with undeclared substances, and dangerous interactions with prescription medications. The absence of mandatory third-party testing has resulted in quality control issues across numerous product lines.

    Health organizations now recommend consulting healthcare providers before initiating any supplement regimen, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, chronically ill patients, and children. This cautionary approach highlights the growing consensus that while some supplements offer genuine benefits, many others provide expensive placebo effects at best, and potential health hazards at worst.

    The industry’s future likely hinges on implementing stricter manufacturing standards, enforcing accuracy in labeling claims, and conducting large-scale clinical trials to separate scientifically validated supplements from those merely capitalizing on wellness trends.