Carib Scope

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  • Police, JPs get child justice refresher training

    Police, JPs get child justice refresher training

    Jamaica’s Office of the Children’s Advocate (OCA), in collaboration with UNICEF, has conducted a comprehensive two-day training initiative focused on enhancing child justice protocols within the nation’s law enforcement and judicial systems. The specialized seminar, held at Moon Palace hotel in Ocho Rios, St Ann, brought together 76 police officers and numerous justices of the peace from across the island to reinforce proper procedures for handling cases involving minors.

    Acting Commissioner of Police McArthur Sutherland, overseeing the Area Two police division, emphasized the critical timing of this refresher course for Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) members. He noted that while officers previously received training on children’s issues, daily policing priorities often shift focus toward severe crimes like murders and shootings. “This training will help to pull on some of the minor crimes against children and ensure we have some reductions there,” Sutherland explained, highlighting how the program would rebalance enforcement attention toward protecting vulnerable youth.

    Children’s Advocate Diahann Gordon Harrison articulated the seminar’s broader societal mission, stating, “No child was born a criminal or murderer—it is the environment that creates the monster.” She stressed the importance of early intervention to redirect children from criminal pathways, warning that without proper guidance, neglected youth could evolve into serious offenders. The training specifically addressed methods to reduce criminogenic behavior and attitudes among young people, aiming to prevent the development of senior criminals.

    Justices of the peace participating in the event expressed strong support for the initiative. Trudy-Ann Philp from Highgate, St Mary, described the seminar as “very beneficial” for enhancing her competency in legal procedures when serving at police stations. Omar Bourne from Kingston applauded the OCA’s efforts and advocated for ongoing educational opportunities to expand expertise among law enforcement and judicial officials.

    The partnership between OCA and UNICEF represents a significant investment in Jamaica’s future social stability. Gordon Harrison concluded by emphasizing collective responsibility: “The OCA alone cannot do it—we see it as a participatory effort that all stakeholders in the justice sector must play a part in.” This training initiative marks a proactive approach to child justice reform, recognizing that proper handling of youth cases requires specialized knowledge and coordinated effort across multiple disciplines within the justice system.

  • Adica Ash, Jeremiah Niles see Point Fortin Civic past ‘Cale’

    Adica Ash, Jeremiah Niles see Point Fortin Civic past ‘Cale’

    In a surprising turnaround, Point Fortin Civic secured a decisive 2-0 victory against Caledonia AIA in their TT Premier Football League encounter at Manny Ramjohn Stadium on January 24. The match marked a significant departure from Civic’s usual home ground at Mahaica Sporting Complex in Point Fortin, a change that proved strategically advantageous for the struggling team.

    The breakthrough came in the 67th minute when forward Adica Ash netted the opening goal, breaking the deadlock after a scoreless first half. As Caledonia intensified their offensive efforts seeking an equalizer, former Trinidad and Tobago Under-17 winger Jeremiah Niles delivered the decisive blow in the 87th minute, securing all three points for Civic.

    Niles’ exceptional performance throughout the match earned him the Man of the Match accolade, recognizing both his clinical finish and overall contribution to Civic’s impressive team display.

    This victory represents only Civic’s third win of the season, elevating them to ten points and moving them from bottom position to 11th place in the 12-team standings. Conversely, Caledonia’s disappointing form continues as they remain stagnant in eighth position with 13 points from 14 matches.

    The TTPFL action was set to continue on January 25 with a crucial double-header at Ato Boldon Stadium featuring the league’s top three teams. Second-placed Club Sando (30 points) faced third-placed Miscellaneous Police FC (27 points) in the evening’s first fixture, while league leaders Defence Force (33 points) prepared to meet bottom-placed Terminix La Horquetta Rangers (9 points) in the late match.

    Meanwhile, the scheduled match between 1976 FC Phoenix and Eagles FC has been postponed to an undetermined date, affecting the mid-table dynamics of the competition.

  • NCIC president Surujdeo Mangaroo outlines vision for culture, youth and global reach

    NCIC president Surujdeo Mangaroo outlines vision for culture, youth and global reach

    Surujdeo Mangaroo has embarked on his presidency of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) with a transformative vision that merges cultural preservation with global expansion. Elected in August 2025, Mangaroo brings over two decades of dedicated service to the organization, where he previously served as first vice president and chairman of the renowned Divali Nagar festival since 1999.

    Mangaroo’s cultural journey began during his formative years at Palo Seco Secondary School, where inspiration struck during bhajan sessions led by Professor Anantanand Rambachan and teacher Raghuraj Bahadursingh. This early exposure ignited a lifelong passion that would shape his professional and personal endeavors. Beyond his cultural leadership, Mangaroo maintains dual responsibilities as CEO of Trinity Insurance Brokers Limited and as a family patriarch, having married Nadra Baksh in 1978 with whom he raised four children.

    The cornerstone of Mangaroo’s presidential agenda centers on youth empowerment through innovative programs. He has been instrumental in developing platforms such as the NCIC Youth Champ Competition, the NCIC Dance Competition, and Sangeet Pradarshan—a television program designed to elevate performance standards. His philosophy emphasizes preparing artists for international recognition, noting ‘Our goal is to cultivate a new wave of artists in TT and across the diaspora who can excel domestically and internationally.’

    Under Mangaroo’s previous leadership, Divali Nagar evolved from a local celebration into an internationally recognized cultural phenomenon reaching throughout the Caribbean, North America, and South America. This expansion continues as a priority, with strengthened international partnerships to facilitate cultural exchanges for young performers. ‘We have an abundance of talent in our country,’ Mangaroo observes, ‘and by giving them opportunities to travel abroad, they can take their culture and talents to excel.’

    Mangaroo’s approach to cultural promotion emphasizes unity through diversity, asserting that celebrating Indian heritage contributes to Trinidad and Tobago’s national identity rather than promoting isolation. ‘Cherishing our culture is not merely about preserving the past,’ he explains, ‘it is about honoring the resilience and contributions of those who came before us.’

    The impact of Mangaroo’s mentorship emerges through testimonials from cultural ambassadors like singer Nirmala Sesnarayan, who credits him with providing transformative international opportunities since 2004. Similarly, singer Ravi Jagroop acknowledges Mangaroo’s pivotal role in his artistic development, while Bobby Seenath of the Mahatma Gandhi Charitable Organization praises his unwavering support for youth initiatives. Through his additional role as executive director of Neeleeji Events, Mangaroo continues creating platforms for young talent despite challenges of stereotypes and limited resources, believing that ‘the rewards of positively impacting lives and preserving our cultural heritage make it all worthwhile.’

  • Micah McKenzie spins Windies to Super Six win over Ireland at U-19 World Cup

    Micah McKenzie spins Windies to Super Six win over Ireland at U-19 World Cup

    In a dramatic rain-affected encounter at the High Performance Oval in Windhoek, Namibia, the West Indies Under-19 cricket team secured a crucial 25-run victory against Ireland in their ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup Super Six match on January 25. The Caribbean side’s triumph was orchestrated by their spin duo of Micah McKenzie and Vitel Lawes, who derailed Ireland’s chase with their wrist-spin mastery.

    The match began with West Indies posting a competitive 226 all out in 46.5 overs, thanks largely to wicketkeeper-batsman Jewel Andrew’s commanding 66 runs from 82 deliveries. Andrew’s innings, featuring four boundaries and four sixes, provided the foundation despite several batsmen failing to convert starts into substantial scores. Jonathan Van Lange (28) and Aadian Racha (28) contributed valuable runs in the middle and lower order.

    Ireland’s response appeared promising initially as they reached 82/1 in the 18th over, with James West leading the charge with a brisk 45. However, the introduction of leg-spinner McKenzie (4/36) and left-arm unorthodox spinner Lawes (2/41) triggered a dramatic collapse. The spin twins dismantled Ireland’s middle order, reducing them from comfort to 98/4 within five overs.

    Rain interruptions twice disrupted Ireland’s chase, ultimately proving decisive. When play was halted for the final time at 164/7 after 40 overs, Ireland found themselves 25 runs behind the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern par score of 189. Robert O’Brien (26) and Marko Bates (22) showed resistance but couldn’t prevent the inevitable DLS decision in West Indies’ favor.

    The victory elevates West Indies to four points in their Super Six group, positioning them third behind Australia (6 points) and Afghanistan (4 points). With net run rate currently negative, the Caribbean team faces a must-win scenario against defending champions Australia on January 28 in Harare, Zimbabwe, where a substantial victory is required to secure semifinal qualification.

  • Diego Central, Holy Name Form Ones stay perfect in schools’ water polo

    Diego Central, Holy Name Form Ones stay perfect in schools’ water polo

    Diego Martin Central Secondary and Holy Name Convent have emerged as early frontrunners in the Form One category of the 2026 Republic Bank ASATT National Secondary Schools Water Polo League, maintaining flawless records during the January 24 matches at the Diego Martin community pool.

    The Diego Martin Central boys’ team delivered a commanding performance against Trinity College (Moka), securing a decisive 15-5 victory. Andriel Williams showcased exceptional offensive prowess, netting nine goals throughout the match—four of which came during a dominant second-quarter display. Keston Brisan provided valuable support with three goals, while Trinity’s Jayden Antoine managed a respectable triple score in response.

    Mirroring their male counterparts’ success, the Diego Martin Central girls’ team demonstrated overwhelming superiority against Providence Girls’ Catholic School with a 15-1 triumph. The victory featured distributed scoring across the roster, with Talayeh Baker leading the charge with five goals, followed by Amiyah Phillip’s four and Allessia Dash’s three goals.

    In one of the day’s most thrilling encounters, Bishop Anstey High School mounted a spectacular fourth-quarter comeback to edge St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain 8-7. Despite trailing 7-4 entering the final period, Bishop Anstey’s Gia-Marie Plaza erupted for three of her five total goals during the decisive quarter, while Sara Francois contributed three crucial goals. Danielle Popplewell’s five-goal effort for SJCPoS ultimately proved insufficient against Bishop Anstey’s late surge.

    Holy Name Convent continued their dominant run with a comprehensive 17-4 victory over Corpus Christi College, establishing a commanding 12-2 halftime advantage before cruising to victory. The offensive duo of Ariya Bolai De Matas (nine goals) and Amilya Marshall (seven goals) proved unstoppable throughout the contest.

    Queen’s Royal College rounded out the day’s action with an impressive 15-9 win against rivals St Mary’s College. Kamal Cumberbatch spearheaded the Royalians’ attack with seven goals, supported by Roland Beard’s four-goal contribution. Andrez Robinson led St Mary’s resistance with five goals, accompanied by two goals each from Joab Dick and Aiden Ramparick.

  • Curacao score late to pinch draw with Trinidad and Tobago U-17 women

    Curacao score late to pinch draw with Trinidad and Tobago U-17 women

    In a thrilling Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Championship qualifier, Trinidad and Tobago’s young footballers experienced both triumph and disappointment as they conceded a late equalizer to settle for a 2-2 draw against host nation Curaçao on January 24. The Group F encounter at Stadion Rignaal “Jean” Francisca in Willemstad saw dramatic momentum shifts that ultimately denied the Caribbean visitors a coveted victory.

    The match remained scoreless through the first half despite promising opportunities for both sides, with TT striking the crossbar and Curaçao forcing a goal-line clearance during a chaotic penalty area scramble.

    Curaçao broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute when Jacelynn Jubithana capitalized on a defensive error from Layla Gregoire to put the hosts ahead. Trinidad and Tobago responded decisively six minutes later as Jade Jones unleashed a spectacular left-footed strike from outside the penalty area following a partially cleared cross from Giuliana Meyer.

    The visitors appeared destined for victory when captain Sanni Wilson demonstrated exceptional composure in the 80th minute, expertly converting Jones’ precision cross from the right flank with a clinical left-footed finish. However, Curaçao substitute Xiarleahmay Martis Nocento delivered a crushing blow just three minutes later, scoring with a deft glancing header from an in-swinging corner that eluded TT goalkeeper Zofia Richards.

    Head coach Ayana Russell, while expressing pride in her team’s performance, acknowledged the result as a missed opportunity. “I thought they did an excellent job and fought until the very end,” Russell stated. “The result is unfortunate. We dominated and I felt we dropped some points today.”

    Statistical analysis revealed TT’s dominance throughout the match, with 54% possession and 15 shots (five on target) compared to Curaçao’s seven attempts. Russell identified finishing as the primary area requiring improvement, noting, “We struggled to put the game away in that final middle to final third.”

    The squad now prepares for their January 28 encounter against Barbados, with additional training sessions focused on offensive execution before concluding group play against El Salvador on February 1. The top six group winners and two best second-place teams will advance to join Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the United States in the tournament’s final round.

  • Tancoo: US$1b bond shows investor confidence

    Tancoo: US$1b bond shows investor confidence

    Trinidad and Tobago has successfully issued a ten-year unsecured sovereign bond worth US$1 billion at a 6.4% interest rate, signaling robust international investor confidence in the nation’s economic direction. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo announced the bond offering, which was immediately oversubscribed by 2.5 times upon its January 22 launch, demonstrating substantial market demand.

    The transaction, managed by financial giants J.P. Morgan and Bank of America, attracted over 140 unique orders from top-tier accounts. Minister Tancoo emphasized that this represents the largest bond transaction for the Republic in the past decade and generated the most substantial order books in five years at US$2.4 billion, despite recent negative ratings outlooks from credit agencies.

    This new bond issuance serves to refinance a 2016 bond acquired under former Finance Minister Colm Imbert. Tancoo criticized the previous administration’s management of the funds, alleging insufficient repayment planning. The current bond, governed by New York laws, offers superior terms and benefits compared to its predecessor.

    Key achievements highlighted include a 20 basis point compression from initial price thoughts to launch, extension of the external debt maturity profile from 4.1 to 6.3 years, and full addressing of the August 2026 external bond maturity. The transaction priced at 54.6 basis points tighter than the original 2016 issuance.

    Notably, Trinidad and Tobago’s bond outperformed comparable Caribbean nations’ offerings. The Bahamas (BB- rating) issued a ten-year bond at 8.25%, Barbados (B+ rating) at 8%, and the Dominican Republic’s twelve-year bond at 6.9%.

    To meet financial commitments, the government plans to address an estimated $10 billion tax gap and leverage energy sector revenues through partnerships with major energy companies including EOG, ExxonMobil, bpTT, Shell, and Perenco. Additionally, Gulf States and China have expressed interest in investing in the government’s Revitalisation Blueprint, featuring 11 major infrastructural projects over the next decade.

  • International Congress on Thousand Cities sccessfully ends in Havana

    International Congress on Thousand Cities sccessfully ends in Havana

    An international congress focused on building happier, more sustainable cities through artificial intelligence and strategic communication concluded successfully in Havana. Hosted by the National Institute of Economic Research (INIE), the event brought together global experts to address urban development challenges in the digital age.

    The conference, jointly sponsored by Plaza de la Revolucion Cultural District, the University of Sao Paulo’s International Center for Innovation and Development of Thousand Cities (CIIDCMIL-USP), and the Center for Studies in Evaluation and Measurement of Communication and Marketing, achieved its primary objective of disseminating innovative approaches to urban happiness. According to Felipe Chibas-Ortiz, executive coordinator of CIIDCMIL-USP, the gathering specifically targeted overcoming cultural barriers and countering hate narratives through effective communication strategies.

    The comprehensive program featured expert panels examining media literacy, creative economy models, institutional ethics, and family dynamics. Additional sessions explored gender equality considerations, public health promotion, robotics integration, and practical guidance for developing AI-enhanced urban projects. The congress attracted participation from nine countries through both physical attendance and virtual engagement platforms.

    Distinguished participants included Cuban intellectual Miguel Barnet, Cuban Association of Social Communicators President Rosa Maria Gutierrez, INIE Director Maile Yiser, and University of Zaragoza Vice-Rector Carmen Marta-Lazo from Spain. UNESCO representation featured several high-level officials, including Paris Office Director Alton Grizzle and Media Literacy Network Director Manuel Perez Tornero.

    The event culminated in two significant cultural contributions: the presentation of the book ‘Thousand Cities: Challenges and Solutions for Sustainable Development in the Age of Artificial Intelligence’ and a special cartoon exhibition titled ‘Thanks to the Thousand Cities’ by renowned Brazilian artist Dorinho Bastos.

  • Laatste twee panda’s verlaten Japan nu relaties met China gespannen zijn

    Laatste twee panda’s verlaten Japan nu relaties met China gespannen zijn

    Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo witnessed emotional farewells Sunday as panda enthusiasts gathered for the final public viewing of twin giants Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei before their scheduled return to China this week. Their departure marks a historic moment: Japan will experience its first panda-less territory in half a century, with replacement prospects appearing dim amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Beijing.

    The panda diplomacy legacy began in 1972 when China gifted the first bears to Japan following the normalization of diplomatic relations between the historically wary neighbors. These charismatic black-and-white creatures immediately captured Japanese affections, with a dozen subsequent pandas achieving national celebrity status.

    Despite the zoo’s implementation of a strict one-minute viewing limit, the final exhibition attracted massive crowds. Visitors carrying panda plush toys called the bears’ names and captured smartphone photos as the twins nibbled bamboo and roamed their enclosure. Many without reserved tickets still visited the zoo to participate in the symbolic farewell day.

    Longtime panda devotee Michiko Seki, wearing panda-print black-and-white attire, expressed satisfaction at seeing the twins healthy and feeding well. She documented the moment using the same camera purchased two years earlier to photograph their elder sister Xian Xai before her departure.

    “These animals provide immense comfort,” Seki noted. “Japan needs pandas, and I hope politicians can find some solution.”

    Beijing maintains ownership of all pandas loaned to foreign nations, including any offspring born abroad. Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei were born at Ueno Zoo in 2021.

    When questioned about potential new panda exchanges, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated: “I know giant pandas are beloved by many Japanese people, and we welcome Japanese friends to visit them in China.”

    Japan currently faces escalating political, trade and security tensions with China. Recent remarks by Japanese Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding potential intervention in Taiwan scenarios provoked particular anger from Beijing. The relationship further strained as Japan’s consulate in Chongqing has operated without a consul for months due to China’s delayed approval of replacement diplomats.

    Economists project significant financial repercussions from the pandas’ absence. Kansai University economics professor Katsuhiro Miyamoto estimates approximately 20 billion yen ($128 million) in annual losses, warning that prolonged absence could create economic impacts measuring in tens of billions of yen.

    Panda imagery permeates Japanese culture around Ueno Zoo, appearing on confectionery, stationery, plush toys and photobooks. Local souvenir shop manager Asao Ezure considers pandas “a symbol of Ueno, a star” while expressing concern about business impacts. Despite the uncertainty, he maintains hope for their return, refusing to alter store signage featuring the twin pandas.

    The current situation represents a notable shift in China’s panda diplomacy strategy, which began with gifts to Western nations during the 1970s normalization era before transitioning to lease programs in the 1980s. Japan previously experienced diplomatic panda complications when a planned transfer to Sendai following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami was suspended during territorial disputes in 2012.

  • Bendals Primary School Classes Suspended After Fire

    Bendals Primary School Classes Suspended After Fire

    Educational operations at Bendals Primary School faced significant disruption following a destructive fire that engulfed the institution’s administrative wing during the early hours of Sunday morning. The incident prompted immediate suspension of all academic activities scheduled for Monday as authorities assess structural integrity and coordinate recovery efforts.

    Director of Education Clare Browne confirmed to local media that the blaze resulted in substantial damage to the facility’s central administrative infrastructure. While the precise origin of the fire remains undetermined, law enforcement agencies have launched a comprehensive investigation to establish causation factors and eliminate potential hazards.

    Education officials have outlined a phased resumption plan, anticipating teaching staff will return to campus by Tuesday. Preliminary assessments suggest normal educational operations could potentially restart by Wednesday, contingent upon successful completion of safety evaluations and infrastructure evaluations. School administrators emphasize that this timeline remains subject to change based on ongoing structural assessments.

    Authorities have committed to providing regular updates to parents and stakeholders as investigation milestones are achieved and recovery plans are formalized. The education department is simultaneously exploring temporary administrative solutions to minimize disruption to student learning outcomes during the reconstruction period.