Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Charlemont High students improve performance in mathematics

    Charlemont High students improve performance in mathematics

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Charlemont High School in St. Catherine has demonstrated remarkable academic progress, particularly in mathematics, following the recent Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. The institution’s mathematics pass rate surged dramatically from 16% to 36%, while maintaining an exceptional 81% success rate in English Language.

    Principal Garth Gayle attributed this significant improvement to strategic interventions implemented through the Ministry of Education’s National School Learning and Intervention Plan (NSLIP). The program provided the school with a mathematics coordinator who established comprehensive mentorship programs for teachers and initiated a student ambassador initiative. “These initiatives have been instrumental in assisting our students through mathematics marathons and equipping teachers with specialized techniques to enhance student outcomes,” Gayle explained in an interview with JIS News.

    The NSLIP was specifically designed to address learning deficiencies exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, employing a targeted approach focusing on core subjects through supplemental lessons, summer programs, digital resources, and psychosocial support.

    Mathematics teacher Sharlene Mills revealed that the department completely transformed its pedagogical approach. “Despite limited resources, we incorporated tangible objects and multimedia content into our lessons. Particularly for male students who respond well to visual stimuli, we integrated mathematics concepts into cartoon formats, which significantly increased engagement and comprehension,” Mills stated.

    Through her role as president of the Quality Education Circle—a collaborative network of educational institutions within geographical areas—Mills identified innovative techniques including hands-on activities where students created visual representations of mathematical operations through coloring and diagramming.

    Student testimonials underscore the program’s effectiveness. Kayda Lee McLean, who achieved a Grade 2 in mathematics despite initial difficulties, credited Mills’ persistent encouragement: “She guided me through problems I couldn’t solve and motivated me when I felt like giving up.”

    Ernest Johnson, another mathematics department member, emphasized the conscious institutional decision to enhance mathematical instruction through Saturday classes, past paper marathons, and practical application workshops. “We deliberately made mathematics more relatable to real-life situations, which fundamentally changed student perception and performance,” Johnson noted.

    School leadership, including Deputy Head Girl Briana Smith and Head Boy Jehvean Chambers, highlighted the supportive community environment and recognition systems that celebrate academic achievement. Discipline Dean Colin McDonnell further connected the academic success to maintained order and proper student decorum, with administrative leadership personally ensuring uniform standards each morning.

    The collective efforts demonstrate how targeted educational strategies, teacher innovation, and institutional commitment can produce substantial academic improvements even in challenging circumstances.

  • Chief Sec: Traditions won’t stop progress

    Chief Sec: Traditions won’t stop progress

    In a decisive move signaling a new era of governance, Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Farley Augustine has undertaken a comprehensive reshuffle of his executive council, reassigning numerous secretaries to different divisions. The swearing-in ceremony, held on January 26 at the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort in Lowlands, marked the official commencement of this restructured administration.

    Augustine delivered a powerful address challenging long-standing conventions, declaring that traditions—while valuable for cultural celebrations like the Tobago Heritage Festival—have no place in impeding effective governance. “I don’t intend to keep for any doctrine, the traditions or commandments of any man or woman or public officer,” he stated emphatically. “I don’t care what the traditions have been, I only care what the law says.”

    The Chief Secretary emphasized that his administration would prioritize legal frameworks over customary practices, asserting that any tradition not codified in law is subject to change in pursuit of efficiency. This approach, he explained, is essential to achieving Tobago’s development objectives without unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.

    Augustine outlined an ambitious vision for the island’s transformation, predicting that by 2030, Tobago will be fundamentally different from its current state. Looking further ahead to 2045, he envisioned Tobago standing “head, shoulders, knees and toes above all of our regional counterparts” in terms of development and prosperity.

    The newly appointed secretaries received clear directives to execute their duties with urgency, discipline, and professionalism, removing any potential stumbling blocks to progress. Augustine reminded them that their work ultimately serves the people of Tobago, whose daily lives are directly impacted by governmental efficiency—or the lack thereof.

    The restructured cabinet includes Megan Morrison as Secretary in the Office of the Chief Secretary, Dr. Faith Brebnor (who also serves as Deputy Chief Secretary) overseeing Health and Wellness, and Adanna Joseph-Wallace leading Legal Affairs. Other key appointments include Trevor James (Strategic Planning and Development), Wane Clarke (Food Security), and Petal Ann Roberts (Finance, Trade and the Economy).

    Complete list of appointments:
    – Secretary in the Office of the Chief Secretary: Megan Morrison
    – Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Chief Secretary: Nigel Taitt
    – Secretary of Health and Wellness: Dr Faith Brebnor
    – Secretary of Legal Affairs: Adanna Joseph-Wallace
    – Secretary of Strategic Planning and Development: Trevor James
    – Secretary of Food Security: Wane Clarke
    – Secretary of Finance, Trade and the Economy: Petal Ann Roberts
    – Assistant Secretary of Finance, Trade and the Economy: Kern Alexis
    – Secretary of Environment, Climate Resilience and Energy: Darren Henry
    – Secretary of Public Infrastructure and Transportation: Nathisha Charles-Pantin
    – Secretary of Youth Empowerment and Sport: Keigon Denoon
    – Secretary of Community Development and Social Protection: Ian Pollard
    – Assistant Secretary of Community Development and Social Protection: Ackel Franklyn
    – Secretary of Housing, Settlements and Public Utilities: Ricky Joefield
    – Secretary of Tourism, Antiquities and Creative Industries: Zorisha Hackett
    – Assistant Secretary of Tourism, Antiquities and Creative Industries: Niketa Percy
    – Secretary of Education, Skills and Innovation: Orlando Kerr

  • Cabinet approves revised teachers’ salaries

    Cabinet approves revised teachers’ salaries

    The Trinidad and Tobago government has formally ratified a revised compensation package for educators, concluding protracted negotiations between state officials and the nation’s primary teachers’ union. Cabinet approval was granted for the wage settlement covering the three-year period from October 2020 through September 2023, marking a significant resolution to longstanding salary disputes.

    The agreement originated from discussions between former TT Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) president Martin Lum Kin and the Chief Personnel Officer, which resulted in a five percent increase arrangement finalized prior to the recent general election. Current TTUTA leader Crystal Ashe had previously voiced concerns regarding implementation delays, warning of potential mass demonstrations if the settlement failed to receive ministerial endorsement by January.

    In an official January 26 communiqué, the Education Ministry confirmed completion of all necessary documentation, enabling the financial adjustments to proceed through standard governmental channels. “These documents make clear that the approved salary revisions, consolidation of allowances, and associated benefits are now to be given effect through the established administrative and financial processes of the State,” the statement detailed, noting coordination with the Finance Ministry where required.

    Administrative processing is currently underway to ensure prompt implementation of the compensation improvements. The Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to sustaining collaborative relationships with educational stakeholders, emphasizing its commitment to “advancing policies and processes that support the welfare of educators and the continued strengthening of the education sector.”

  • MTS to undergo forensic audit

    MTS to undergo forensic audit

    A comprehensive forensic audit will be conducted at National Maintenance Training & Security Company Ltd (MTS) following concerning revelations during a parliamentary inquiry that exposed significant operational challenges and substantial financial arrears owed by government entities.

    The inquiry before Parliament’s State Enterprises Joint Select Committee on January 26th was temporarily interrupted by a building alarm during discussions about firearm certification delays for MTS security personnel. When proceedings resumed, Independent Senator Anthony Vieira, SC, committee chairman, acknowledged police responsiveness to the incident without elaborating on its nature.

    MTS executives disclosed that government agencies owe the state-owned security company approximately $850 million in outstanding payments. CEO Brian Bachan detailed that the Education Ministry accounts for $450 million of this debt, followed by the Judiciary ($180 million), Sport Company ($30 million), Board of Inland Revenue ($25 million), and police services ($25 million).

    Public Utilities Ministry Permanent Secretary Neela Ram-Atwaroo confirmed inter-ministerial discussions are underway regarding debt collection, noting invoice discrepancies between ministries have complicated repayment processes. The Finance Ministry has committed additional allocations to address these arrears.

    The session revealed multiple operational challenges, including MTS Marketing Manager Sherwin Gosine’s disclosure of spending $250,000 on grass-cutting services—a figure that surprised committee members—and ongoing difficulties obtaining firearm certifications through the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.

    MTS Chairman Adrian Barran stated the newly appointed board encountered an organization ‘under considerable strain’ requiring strategic redirection. The forensic audit, expected to commence by early February, will examine advance payments to contractors and work quality concerns over a six-to-eight month period. Barran emphasized any evidence of wrongdoing would be forwarded to appropriate authorities.

    Political tensions surfaced during proceedings when Minister Anil Roberts accused the former PNM administration of waging ‘war on licensed firearm holders,’ while Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales emphasized the committee’s duty to address state matters transparently without political theater. Committee Chairman Vieira ultimately stressed that regardless of political dimensions, the serious operational issues at MTS demand immediate attention.

  • CPO offers NUGFW 10% hike, including non-cash options

    CPO offers NUGFW 10% hike, including non-cash options

    After more than a decade of stalled negotiations, the Trinidad and Tobago government has presented a comprehensive wage settlement package to the National Union of Government and Federated Workers (NUGFW). Chief Personnel Officer Dr. Darryl Dindial announced a 10% salary increase covering the period 2014-2019, representing a total valuation of $2.6 billion TT dollars.

    The breakthrough proposal, unveiled following January 26 negotiations in Port of Spain, combines both cash and non-cash components to address the substantial financial burden. The arrangement carries a recurring annual cost of $250 million, which authorities acknowledge was not previously budgeted for. Dr. Dindial emphasized the government’s commitment to responsible fiscal management while addressing long-outstanding worker compensation concerns.

    National Trade Union Centre (NATUC) General Secretary Michael Annisette praised the negotiation process, characterizing the discussions as a mature exchange of responsible ideas between both parties. The union leadership particularly welcomed the government’s movement from its initial 4% offer to the current 10% proposal, acknowledging the economic constraints facing the nation.

    The proposed settlement includes innovative non-cash mechanisms designed to provide immediate relief to workers while managing the government’s cash flow requirements. These arrangements may include government assumption of worker debts to state entities such as the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and TT Mortgage Finance Company, effectively converting outstanding obligations into compensated benefits.

    Union representatives indicated they would present the offer to their membership for consideration over the coming days. If accepted, implementation would likely occur following mid-year budget reviews, with payments anticipated by June or July once funding arrangements are finalized through the Ministry of Finance.
    This settlement follows a similar 10% agreement reached with the Public Servants Association in December 2025, signaling a coordinated approach to resolving long-pending public sector wage negotiations across multiple government agencies.

  • Nicholas Dillon, Joevin Jones make mas; Army clobber Rangers 9-0

    Nicholas Dillon, Joevin Jones make mas; Army clobber Rangers 9-0

    In a spectacular display of football dominance, Defence Force FC delivered a devastating 9-0 thrashing to Terminix La Horquetta Rangers during their TT Premier Football League encounter on January 25 at Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva. This commanding performance extends Defence Force’s lead at the summit of the 2025/26 table to three points as they continue their title defense campaign.

    The Army/Coast Guard combination showcased their offensive firepower through new acquisitions Nicholas Dillon and Joevin Jones, who each recorded impressive hat-tricks. The scoring onslaught began early with Jones opening the account in the 12th minute, followed by quick successive goals from central defender Jamali Garcia (16th minute) and midfielder Rivaldo Coryat (21st minute), establishing a 3-0 halftime advantage.

    The second half witnessed an equally explosive performance as Defence Force netted three additional goals within ten minutes after the restart. Dillon secured his first goal alongside contributions from Jones and playmaker Kevin ‘Nash’ Molino, pushing the scoreline to 6-0 by the 57th minute. Jones completed his hat-trick in the 61st minute, while Dillon sealed the historic victory with his third goal during second-half stoppage time.

    The match also served as an integration platform for recent defensive signings Triston Hodge and Keston Julien, who made their appearances ahead of the team’s upcoming Concacaf Champions Cup clash against Philadelphia Union commencing February 18.

    In the evening’s earlier fixture, second-placed Club Sando maintained pressure on the leaders with a narrow 1-0 victory over third-placed Miscellaneous Police FC, courtesy of Tarik Lee’s 22nd-minute strike—his ninth goal of the season.

    The TTPFL action continues on January 28 with MIC Central FC Reboot facing San Juan Jabloteh, followed by Prisons FC versus AC Port of Spain in another double-header event at Couva.

  • Digicel’s Deep Blue One strengthens Tobago network

    Digicel’s Deep Blue One strengthens Tobago network

    Digicel Trinidad and Tobago has officially activated its Deep Blue One submarine fiber-optic cable system, establishing a direct digital link between Trinidad and Tobago that promises to transform the island’s telecommunications landscape. The groundbreaking infrastructure project, announced on January 23, represents a significant advancement in Tobago’s network capabilities.

    Pieter Verkade, Chief Executive Officer of Digicel TT, emphasized the strategic importance of this development: “This enhancement to our service portfolio ensures comprehensive redundancy for our Tobago customer base across mobile, residential, entertainment, and business sectors. The result is a substantially more resilient network architecture capable of overcoming operational challenges while maintaining superior connectivity standards throughout the island.”

    Current usage patterns already demonstrate substantial engagement with the new infrastructure. Roweena Crooks, Head of Retail Sales and Operations at Digicel TT, reported: “Deep Blue One is currently transmitting multiple gigabits of live data traffic to Tobago, with the western region exhibiting the highest utilization rates. This infrastructure already supports thousands of Tobagonians in their daily digital activities including media streaming, video conferencing, remote work operations, business management, and distance learning initiatives.”

    Crooks, speaking from personal experience as a Tobagonian, highlighted the societal impact: “Reliable connectivity is fundamentally important to contemporary island life. Deep Blue One represents a substantial upgrade to Tobago’s telecommunications framework, significantly bolstering network durability and service consistency. This strategic investment substantially reduces the potential for island-wide service interruptions and provides residents with enhanced confidence in their digital connectivity both presently and for future requirements.”

    The telecommunications company’s analysis indicates rapidly increasing data consumption patterns throughout Tobago, with the western region expected to demonstrate the most accelerated growth trajectory while the eastern sector anticipates robust expansion as additional households and enterprises come online. The Deep Blue One cable system was specifically engineered to accommodate this escalating data demand, providing the necessary infrastructure foundation to support Tobago’s evolving digital ecosystem encompassing remote education, telecommuting, daily communication, and entertainment services.

  • Jafari Edwards, Peyton Winter storm to wins at Power in the Field Classic

    Jafari Edwards, Peyton Winter storm to wins at Power in the Field Classic

    While track athletes typically command the most attention at athletic competitions, the spotlight shifted decisively to field event specialists during the Wright Foundation’s Power in the Field Classic held January 24 at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.

    The event showcased remarkable performances from emerging talents who demonstrated exceptional prowess across various disciplines. Mercury’s Jafari Edwards emerged as a double champion in the boys’ under-17 category, securing gold in both long jump with a winning leap of 6.41 meters and high jump with a clearance of 1.75 meters. His long jump victory came after a tense competition with Memphis Pioneers’ Zayne Martin, who nearly overtook him with a final attempt of 6.37 meters.

    Burnley Athletic Club’s Peyton Winter delivered a spectacular triple crown performance in the girls’ under-20 category, dominating shot put (12.91m), javelin (28.85m), and discus (35.73m). Her shot put victory was particularly notable as she outperformed Tenique Vincent, the recently crowned Female Multi-event Athlete of the Year, who managed 10.10 meters.

    Vincent later redeemed herself by claiming the girls’ under-20 high jump title with a clearance of 1.65 meters, while her twin brother Tyrique Vincent, the Male Multi-event Athlete of the Year, triumphed in the boys’ under-20 long jump with an impressive 7.07-meter effort.

    The competition also featured standout performances from Kaizen Panthers’ Kaori Robley (girls’ under-20 long jump, 5.21m), QRC Athletic Club’s La Queen Welch (girls’ under-17 high jump, 1.64m), and Ascend Athletic Club’s Daryan Boyce who edged out clubmate Nykel Gomez in a thrilling boys’ under-20 discus contest with a throw of 44.45 meters.

    These results highlight the growing depth of field event talent in Trinidad and Tobago’s athletic landscape, with multiple athletes showing potential for future regional and international success.

  • Project START launches initiative to help entrepreneurs recover after Hurricane Melissa

    Project START launches initiative to help entrepreneurs recover after Hurricane Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a strategic pivot from emergency relief to sustainable recovery, Project STAR has launched its comprehensive Business Re-start Initiative to assist micro and small entrepreneurs in rebuilding their livelihoods across Jamaica’s most hurricane-devastated communities. The program represents a significant shift toward long-term economic stabilization following the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa.

    The initiative has commenced by distributing grants to nine businesses spanning critical sectors including poultry farming (encompassing both egg and chicken production), beauty services (barbers, hairstylists, nail technicians, and eyelash technicians), and a cleaning supplies manufacturing enterprise. These funds are specifically allocated for replacing damaged equipment, replenishing destroyed inventory, and resuming daily operations.

    According to Saffrey Brown, Director of Project STAR, the organization has consciously transitioned from immediate disaster response to addressing sustainable economic recovery. “Our relief efforts have now evolved toward revitalizing livelihoods and reactivating entrepreneurial activities,” Brown stated. “The hurricane completely obliterated equipment and stock for most business owners in these vulnerable communities.”

    The program is initially targeting the western parishes of Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, and St James—regions that suffered the most severe hurricane impacts. These areas have experienced substantial micro-enterprise losses, exacerbating economic fragility in already disadvantaged communities. Brown emphasized the program’s adaptive approach, noting that strategies will evolve based on emerging needs.

    Early beneficiaries have reported transformative impacts. Levario White, a barber from Salt Spring, St James, described receiving his second grant as “critical to recovery,” expressing excitement about business improvement prospects. Beauty service providers like hairdresser Amisha Wright highlighted how the support arrived at a crucial juncture, enabling her to upgrade equipment and attract more customers. Wright revealed aspirations to pursue professional certification and eventually establish a salon chain.

    For poultry farmer Nickoy Brady, also from Salt Spring, the storm destroyed his coop and killed numerous chickens, paralyzing his livelihood. Project STAR’s intervention provided what he called “a lifeline,” allowing him to restart operations and restore family income. “This support means everything—it’s how I provide for my family,” Brady shared.

    Project STAR is prioritizing entrepreneurs who previously completed the organization’s entrepreneurship training, particularly those involved in food security sectors. “Accelerating community self-sufficiency in food production is absolutely essential,” Brown explained regarding this strategic focus.

    The organization plans to progressively expand the initiative over coming weeks and months, with ambitions to directly support at least 300 micro and small entrepreneurs through grants, tools, materials, and mentorship. Broader objectives include reactivating local value chains across food, craft, services, and manufacturing sectors while promoting disaster-resilient business models and strengthening local economic networks.

    As Jamaica progresses beyond the immediate emergency phase, Project STAR maintains its commitment to income generation and long-term community resilience. Brown confirmed the organization’s sustained focus on “revitalizing existing enterprises and supporting new entrepreneurs requiring alternative income sources” through the Livelihood Re-start Initiative, ultimately aiming to rebuild economic security and enhance community resilience in Hurricane Melissa’s aftermath.

  • Agriculture ministry launches initiatives to address crop surplus

    Agriculture ministry launches initiatives to address crop surplus

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to a significant surplus of key agricultural products, Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to stabilize markets and support local farmers. Portfolio Minister Floyd Green announced the initiative during a press briefing at the ministry’s Hope Gardens headquarters, highlighting exceptional yields of sweet potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, Pak Choy, yellow squash, cauliflower, zucchini, and string beans that have created market imbalances.

    The ministry’s approach centers on three primary interventions: expanded market access, value-added processing, and enhanced storage infrastructure. Weekly farmers’ markets are being established across the island with organizational support from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) and the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS). The inaugural market took place on January 23, with transportation assistance provided to ensure farmer participation.

    Concurrently, the ministry is engaging agro-processors to transform excess produce into juices, concentrates, and other value-added products. A buy-back program reminiscent of COVID-19 pandemic measures is in final development stages, where the government will purchase directly from farmers for redistribution.

    Critical infrastructure developments include three cold-storage facilities scheduled for operational rollout. The Flagaman facility in St Elizabeth, featuring two renewable-powered 20-foot containers, becomes operational within three weeks. The Essex Valley facility launches in early February with capacity for 22 containers of fresh produce, while the Kirkvine facility in Manchester will be completed in the next financial quarter.