Carib Scope

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  • Venezuelan Ambassador joins protest demanding Maduro’s release

    Venezuelan Ambassador joins protest demanding Maduro’s release

    PORT OF SPAIN – Venezuelan Ambassador Álvaro Enrique Sánchez Cordero stood alongside social activists and political leaders outside his nation’s embassy in Trinidad on January 4, delivering a fiery condemnation of the United States’ military operation that resulted in President Nicolás Maduro’s detention.

    The demonstration, organized by Movement for Social Justice leader David Abdulah and activist Abeo Jackson, brought together fewer than 30 protesters who expressed unwavering solidarity with Caracas’ leadership. Their gathering occurred just one day after U.S. forces entered Venezuelan territory to apprehend Maduro on narco-terrorism charges.

    Ambassador Cordero characterized the operation as “a political kidnapping designed to terrorise a nation that refuses to surrender.” In an impassioned address, he asserted that “Nicolas Maduro continues to be the constitutional president of Venezuela” and condemned what he described as years of economic warfare against his country.

    “This attack is the sharpest edge of a years-long war and illegal economic blockade designed to starve a people into submission,” Cordero declared, attributing the aggression to “neo-colonial arrogance” rooted in the Monroe Doctrine.

    The protest took on diplomatic dimensions as Trinidadian police maintained a conspicuous presence, questioning attendees and even requesting identification from the Venezuelan ambassador. Cordero complied with these requests while maintaining that the gathering violated no local laws.

    MSJ leader David Abdulah delivered a scathing critique of both American interventionism and the Trinidadian government’s perceived complicity. He drew parallels between Maduro’s detention and Israel’s military actions in Gaza, stating that both represented violations of international law.

    “As a patriot of TT, I am condemning the Prime Minister of TT for continued complicity in this regard with Trump,” Abdulah asserted, dismissing government claims of non-involvement as insufficient.

    Activist Abeo Jackson warned that Trinidad’s stance would have historical consequences, urging citizens to reject what she characterized as silent consent to American hegemony. “Our silence is not neutrality, it is consent,” she cautioned. “The future will be decided right now.”

    Participants dismissed international media coverage showing Venezuelans celebrating Maduro’s arrest as propaganda featuring “paid players.” Shabaka Kambon of the Caribbean Freedom Project reported contacting colleagues in Caracas who claimed to be participating in solidarity vigils, suggesting domestic support for the detained president remains strong.

    Despite the intimate size of the demonstration, the significant police presence highlighted regional tensions following the unprecedented cross-border military operation. Protesters ultimately arranged themselves along the embassy walls to avoid obstructing pedestrian traffic while maintaining their visible protest.

  • Eddie Hart remembered as a true patriot of local sport

    Eddie Hart remembered as a true patriot of local sport

    Trinidad and Tobago’s sporting community is mourning the passing of Eddie Hart, the pioneering football organizer and former parliamentarian who died on January 4 at age 89. Hailed as a national patriot and architectural force in local sports development, Hart’s legacy centers on his transformative Eddie Hart Football League, established over four decades ago as a grassroots initiative that became fundamental to the nation’s football ecosystem.

    Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts memorialized Hart as “a visionary who understood that sport is the most powerful tool we have for community transformation and youth empowerment.” Through his league, Hart created what Watts described as “a sanctuary for talent to flourish and for discipline to take root” on the savannahs of Tacarigua, where a playing field now bears his name.

    The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) confirmed Hart’s profound impact extended beyond sports into broader social development. Born into humble circumstances, Hart rose to serve as Tunapuna MP and Minister of State across multiple portfolios including Sport, Community Development, and Tourism. His football league provided structured competitive play while functioning as a developmental pipeline that propelled countless athletes toward professional careers.

    Hart’s philosophy centered on using football as vehicle for social empowerment. The TTFA noted his vision was “never merely about the game itself, but about giving young people direction, discipline, opportunity, and hope” in communities with limited access to organized sports. His league became particularly instrumental in identifying and nurturing talent from underserved neighborhoods.

    Officials pledged to continue honoring Hart’s developmental blueprint. The Ministry of Sport committed to ensuring “the seeds of excellence he planted continue to bloom in every corner of our nation,” while the TTFA acknowledged his enduring influence on both football infrastructure and national community cohesion.

  • Sando, Army keep chase as Police hold firm in TTPFL

    Sando, Army keep chase as Police hold firm in TTPFL

    The Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) reached its midway point with an electrifying round of matches on January 3, setting the stage for a tense championship battle. Miscellaneous Police FC preserved their precarious one-point advantage at the summit despite intense pressure from pursuing rivals.

    Facing bottom-dwelling Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, Police FC demonstrated championship mentality with a commanding second-half performance. The league leaders broke the deadlock through Joevin Jones’ 50th-minute penalty conversion, followed by decisive strikes from Jabari Mitchell (54th) and Martieon Watson (77th). This comprehensive 3-0 victory extended Rangers’ defensive woes, marking their 23rd concession this season.

    Club Sando maintained their pursuit with clinical efficiency, overcoming 1976 FC Phoenix 2-0 through late heroics. Shackeil Henry’s 85th-minute breakthrough preceded Luke Phillips’ injury-time finish, keeping the southern giants within striking distance while boasting the league’s superior goal difference at +19.

    Defending champions Defence Force FC navigated a stern challenge from San Juan Jabloteh, emerging 3-1 victors in a tactical duel at Couva’s Ato Boldon Stadium. Kaihim Thomas’ early penalty (4th minute) was neutralized by Isaiah Leacock’s equalizer just before halftime. The Army/Coast Guard combination showcased their championship pedigree with second-half dominance, as Isaiah Garcia’s 68th-minute finish and Kevin Molino’s 85th-minute clincher secured three crucial points.

    Prison Service FC reinforced their dark horse status with a 3-1 dismissal of Point Fortin Civic. Kyron Williams’ early opener was briefly canceled by Akeem Redhead’s penalty, but an immediate own goal and Weslie John’s 76th-minute sealer maintained Prisons’ fourth-place positioning.

    The Central FC versus AC Port of Spain encounter yielded a 1-1 stalemate that hampered both clubs’ title aspirations. Daneil Cyrus’ 19th-minute header was quickly neutralized by Maurice Dick’s equalizer, with substitute Jaeden Bobb squandering a golden opportunity for AC POS late.

    In a spectacular goal-fest, FC Eagles claimed their second consecutive victory by outlasting Morvant Caledonia United 4-3. Overcoming a two-goal deficit, the Cunupia outfit mounted a spectacular second-half resurgence through Dominic Douglas (57th), Josiah Edwards (66th), and veteran Ataullah Guerra (85th), surviving a nervy finale after Malachai Celestine’s stoppage-time consolation.

    The TTPFL resumes on January 9 with Round 12, as the title race continues to intensify.

  • PM: TT will work with any Venezuelan leader chosen in free elections

    PM: TT will work with any Venezuelan leader chosen in free elections

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has articulated a firm stance on Venezuela’s political turmoil, emphasizing that Venezuelan citizens must autonomously determine their leadership through democratic processes. This position emerged following the dramatic capture of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro by US military forces on December 3rd, who now faces narcotrafficking charges in American courts.

    In a written statement to Newsday on January 4th, Persad-Bissessar clarified that her administration would collaborate with any transition government provided it commits to conducting legitimate elections. “I support free and fair democratic elections,” she asserted. “I do not support any specific person or organization.” This declaration gains significance given her previous designation as persona non grata by the Maduro administration, where current disputed leader Delcy Rodríguez served as vice president.

    The Prime Minister additionally endorsed US military involvement in the region, noting its contribution to enhanced security for Trinidad and Tobago. Her comments arrive amid contradictory signals from Washington, where President Donald Trump initially endorsed Rodríguez’s leadership while simultaneously declaring American oversight of Venezuelan affairs, while dismissing opposition figure María Corina Machado as lacking popular support.

    Political analyst Dr. Indira Rampersad provided critical context, noting the extraordinary nature of political alliances while expressing skepticism regarding Rodríguez’s viability as leader. “Rodríguez remains fundamentally aligned with Maduro’s ideology and governance approach,” Rampersad observed. She characterized Trump’s endorsement as potentially impulsive and questioned its implementation mechanics.

    Rampersad anticipates significant challenges for Rodríguez, predicting her leadership would prove transient due to overwhelming public demand for genuine change. With approximately eight million Venezuelan migrants worldwide experiencing newfound stability, she suggests widespread resistance to returning to previous governance models. The academic emphasized that only internationally observed elections producing a democratically elected government would establish the legitimacy necessary for meaningful international engagement.

  • Lee warns against squatting in HDC properties

    Lee warns against squatting in HDC properties

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Housing Minister David Lee has issued a stern warning against squatting in government-subsidized housing properties, declaring such actions will face zero tolerance from authorities. The minister’s comments came during a January 4 press conference at the UNC headquarters in Chaguanas, where he addressed growing concerns about unauthorized occupation of Housing Development Corporation (HDC) units.

    The crackdown follows a recent incident in Corinth where a family who had made payments for an HDC home discovered strangers attempting to occupy their property weeks before they were scheduled to receive keys. The couple filed an official police report on December 29 after being alerted to the unauthorized entry at their Riverside South townhouse near San Fernando.

    Minister Lee revealed that similar squatting attempts have emerged across multiple HDC settlements, including areas within his Caroni Central constituency. He strongly contested previous statements by former housing minister Camille Robinson-Regis suggesting the UNC administration permitted such activities. Lee emphasized that HDC chairman Feeroz Khan had never endorsed squatting in government housing.

    Producing documented evidence of squatting cases within HDC files, Lee asserted that neither he, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, nor the HDC would tolerate such ‘lawlessness.’ He warned potential squatters that law enforcement and HDC security divisions would collaborate to ensure only legally entitled occupants reside in government properties.

    Simultaneously, HDC chairman Khan disclosed significant financial challenges within the corporation, including over $600 million in outstanding payments to contractors. Khan criticized previous construction management practices under the PNM administration, alleging that houses worth approximately $500,000 were being constructed at costs nearing $2 million each. He claimed this benefited PNM associates and financiers while costing taxpayers millions in overpayments to contractors, including one instance of a $10 million overpayment.

    Despite these challenges, Khan assured the public that HDC has developed a recovery plan that includes increasing affordable housing production to bridge the gap between housing demand and availability.

  • IR expert: Trump cannot run Venezuela

    IR expert: Trump cannot run Venezuela

    International relations specialist Anthony Bryan has categorically rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that the United States would directly govern Venezuela following the military extraction of President Nicolás Maduro. The operation, conducted by U.S. forces in the early hours of January 3rd, resulted in Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores being removed from a fortified compound in Caracas.

    During a press briefing at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump declared that the U.S. would assume control of Venezuela’s administration and leverage its substantial oil reserves for international trade. However, the President provided no detailed explanation regarding the mechanics of this proposed governance structure or the composition of any transitional administration.

    Bryan, who serves as co-chairman of the Caribbean Policy Consortium, countered through WhatsApp communications on January 4th that “Trump cannot run Venezuela. Maduro is gone but the power structure in Venezuela remains.” The expert emphasized that constitutional succession had already occurred with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assuming the presidency following Maduro’s capture.

    Trump acknowledged that Rodríguez had been sworn in as interim leader and had engaged in discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicating her cooperation. However, the President simultaneously expressed skepticism about Rodríguez or any Maduro administration figures retaining power long-term.

    The U.S. leader also cast doubt on exiled opposition figure María Corina Machado’s potential involvement in any interim government, questioning her domestic support and respect within Venezuela. Trump promised imminent announcements regarding American designees who would ensure the country’s proper management.

    This development follows Bryan’s November expressed hope for diplomatic resolution between the two nations—a prospect Trump now claims Maduro squandered through missed opportunities. The President additionally asserted that American energy corporations would enter Venezuela to rehabilitate infrastructure and generate national revenue, with promised reimbursements for those economically impacted under Maduro’s regime.

  • World Athletics boss Sebastien Coe arrives in Jamaica

    World Athletics boss Sebastien Coe arrives in Jamaica

    Sebastien Coe, the President of World Athletics and renowned British double Olympic champion, has commenced a significant diplomatic tour in Jamaica. His arrival at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston late Sunday night marked the beginning of several days of high-profile engagements with the nation’s sporting and governmental leadership. The track and field icon was formally received by Garth Gayle, President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA).

    The agenda for Coe’s visit includes strategic meetings at the highest levels of Jamaican governance. Scheduled discussions with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Sports Minister Olivia Grange follow an initial working breakfast with JAAA leadership. This itinerary underscores the collaborative spirit between international athletic governance and Jamaican sporting authorities.

    A particularly poignant segment of Coe’s itinerary involves an inspection visit to the Montego Bay Sports Complex on Tuesday. The facility’s track has remained non-operational for six years and sustained additional damage during Hurricane Melissa in October, highlighting infrastructure challenges facing Jamaican athletics.

    This visit represents Coe’s second official trip to Jamaica in under four years, following his previous attendance at the 2022 Carifta Games hosted in Kingston. The current tour emphasizes World Athletics’ continued commitment to nurturing Jamaica’s track and field legacy while addressing critical infrastructure needs.

  • Montego Bay United beat Treasure Beach FC to reclaim JPL lead

    Montego Bay United beat Treasure Beach FC to reclaim JPL lead

    Montego Bay United has surged back to the top of the Jamaica Premier League standings following a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Treasure Beach FC on Sunday. The crucial match, held at St Elizabeth Technical Sports Complex in Santa Cruz, marked Montego Bay’s sixth consecutive triumph over the newly promoted side this season.

    With this win, Montego Bay now sits at 29 points, narrowly edging past previous league leaders Racing United who stumbled with a scoreless draw against Waterhouse FC at a rain-affected Ferdie Neita Park. The championship race has intensified as teams navigate challenging field conditions and tight competition.

    In other Sunday fixtures, Molynes United and Mount Pleasant FA played to a 0-0 stalemate—their second drawn encounter this season. Chapelton Maroons continued their impressive form with a 2-1 victory over Harbour View FC, securing consecutive wins and climbing to sixth position with 18 points. Meanwhile, the scheduled match between Dunbeholden FC and Spanish Town Police FC was postponed due to waterlogged pitch conditions at Dunbeholden Sports Complex.

    Montego Bay’s offensive breakthrough came after two previous scoreless matches, ending a 195-minute goal drought dating back to December 15. Dwight Merrick opened the scoring in the seventh minute, capitalizing on a weak clearance from Treasure Beach goalkeeper Mowey Morgan by slotting home from six yards. Deonjay Brown extended the advantage in the 22nd minute with a close-range finish after defensive miscues from the hosts. Though Tommy Lawrence pulled one back for Treasure Beach in the 38th minute, the home side couldn’t convert several promising opportunities to equalize.

    At Turner Field in Clarendon, Chapelton Maroons demonstrated resilience by overcoming a missed first-half penalty to defeat Harbour View for the second time this season. Zhaine Pinnock’s early third-minute strike was later canceled out by Rohan Brown’s 65th-minute equalizer, but Sean Leighton’s dramatic 85th-minute winner secured three valuable points for the ascending Chapelton side.

  • Morgan urges police to stay focused amid ‘campaign’ to undermine 2025 murder reduction gains

    Morgan urges police to stay focused amid ‘campaign’ to undermine 2025 murder reduction gains

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Government Senator Marlon Morgan has issued a robust defense of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), calling on officers to maintain professionalism and focus despite what he characterizes as a coordinated media campaign seeking to discredit their crime reduction accomplishments.

    In a Sunday statement, Morgan asserted that certain media outlets are exploiting police-involved fatal shootings to overshadow what he described as historic crime reduction progress. He emphasized that Jamaica has witnessed murder rates plummet to a three-decade low in 2025, an achievement he believes is being systematically undermined by sensationalized reporting.

    “A vulgar and misleading campaign has been orchestrated by segments of the press through news reports, commentary, editorials, and even cartoons,” Morgan stated. “This concerted effort aims to diminish the JCF’s remarkable success in achieving the lowest murder rate in 31 years.”

    The senator criticized what he perceives as an unfair narrative that implicitly connects the decline in homicides to increased police lethal force incidents. He urged law enforcement personnel to remain “relentless and professional” in their duties without being discouraged by what he termed reckless media tactics.

    Morgan challenged critics who question police methods when confronting armed criminals, asking: “When faced with marauding gunmen determined to avoid justice and the mandatory 15-year sentence for firearm possession, what alternatives do we expect officers to pursue? We cannot expect them to sing ‘kum-by-yah’ or exchange pleasantries with criminals wielding superior firepower.”

    While acknowledging the importance of police accountability, Morgan emphasized that public discourse should shift from merely counting fatal shootings to examining whether each incident was legally justified. He pointed to existing oversight mechanisms including the Independent Investigation Commission (Indecom), ongoing body-worn camera implementation, and internal JCF investigative processes as adequate safeguards for proper review.

    The senator concluded that both media and citizens should allow established accountability processes to determine the justification of police actions rather than engaging in premature judgments that could undermine law enforcement effectiveness and morale.

  • WATCH: New Year’s Day blaze at business establishment leaves operators, staff in limbo

    WATCH: New Year’s Day blaze at business establishment leaves operators, staff in limbo

    A catastrophic fire that erupted in the early hours of New Year’s Day has completely destroyed a longstanding catering bar and grill on Spanish Town Road in St. Andrew, Jamaica, leaving more than 15 employees without livelihoods. The blaze, which ignited shortly after midnight, consumed the premises of Paradise Catering and Dobby’s Hideaway Bar and Grill, resulting in extensive damage to warehouses and the near-total loss of operational equipment. Miraculously, no staff injuries were reported.

    Managing Director Chef Ricardo Esson, surveying the charred remnants of his establishment, expressed profound distress over the impact on his workforce. Characterizing his team as family, Esson revealed that the financial devastation would force him to implement a reduced work schedule once operations resume, potentially placing staff on a week-on, week-off rotation. The timing compounds the tragedy, with Esson highlighting the particular hardship faced by newly hired employees suddenly deprived of income.

    The property owner, 80-year-old Vincent Myers, described the incident as the destruction of his life savings, having operated his business at the location for over three decades. Myers emphasized the necessity of strategic rebuilding with proper materials rather than temporary structures, though he remains optimistic about customer retention with adequate support.

    Whitfield Town Division Councillor Eugene Kelly underscored the broader community impact, noting that approximately 20 employees supported hundreds of family members across multiple generations. Kelly advocated for establishing governmental emergency funds specifically for small businesses, which he identified as economic lifelines for inner-city communities. He emphasized that many such enterprises lack sufficient insurance coverage for catastrophic events, necessitating systemic support mechanisms for recovery and rebuilding.