Carib Scope

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  • R and R Proj steps into soca with ‘Poison’

    R and R Proj steps into soca with ‘Poison’

    Trinidadian-American musical collaborators Ron Metivier and Rhonda Rosales have officially entered the soca music scene with their debut single “Poison,” marking a significant evolution in their artistic partnership under the banner R and R Proj. The US-based performers, who migrated from Trinidad in 2019, have channeled their deep cultural roots into this vibrant musical offering that represents their first dedicated foray into the soca genre despite established careers in parang and calypso.

    Rosales brings extensive vocal expertise developed through decades of performance, beginning with childhood guidance from her grandmother and uncle Anderson Rosales of G Sharp and Friends. Her distinguished background includes a 20-year tenure with parang group Los Alumnos de San Juan, membership in TUCO, performances at Kaiso House calypso tent, and vocal leadership with Fuego Caribeño. She has performed internationally as a cultural ambassador alongside legendary figures including the late calypsonian Hawthorn “King Wellington” Quashie.

    Metivier contributes multi-instrumental mastery, particularly on cuatro, guitar, and bass, blending traditional Caribbean sounds with contemporary influences. His musical journey began at age 13, leading to his recognition as the youngest cuatro player with renowned band Salsa Picante under maestro Robert Munro. With extensive performance experience across the Caribbean, North America, and Europe, Metivier has directed and arranged for numerous cultural ensembles and co-founded entertainment group Team Regal Entertainment.

    The collaboration emerged naturally from their shared creative vision, with “Poison” representing a deliberate expansion into soca music. “With our roots in the calypso tent and as proud Trinidadians, we wanted to make a strong contribution to the soca kingdom,” Metivier explained. The track embodies Carnival’s passion, rhythm, and collective spirit through a fusion of Metivier’s instrumental versatility and Rosales’ commanding vocal presence.

    Produced, mixed, and mastered by Samuel Jack (Jhaqkmix) at Maddagain Production Studio in New York, owned by Roger “Patch” Joseph, the recording maintains authentic Trinidadian spirit despite its international production. The artists describe Jack’s contribution as transformative, helping realize their vision into a vibrant, fully-formed sound.

    An animated music video is currently available on YouTube, with additional visual content promised soon. The duo confirms this release signals the beginning of ongoing musical exploration, with more original works planned that will continue blending genres, experimenting with rhythms, and celebrating Caribbean cultural richness while honoring musical traditions.

  • BCIC announces leadership appointments

    BCIC announces leadership appointments

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant organizational overhaul set to enhance operational efficiency and market performance, British Caribbean Insurance Company (BCIC) has implemented a comprehensive leadership restructuring effective January 1, 2026. This strategic realignment underscores the company’s dedication to operational excellence, customer experience enhancement, and sustainable expansion within the insurance sector.

    Michelle Anderson ascends to Deputy Managing Director after demonstrating exceptional leadership during her decade-long tenure with BCIC, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer. Her extensive background in insurance solutions and operations has equipped her with profound institutional knowledge and execution capabilities. Anderson will now provide strategic supervision across critical domains including underwriting protocols, operational workflows, revenue optimization, and service delivery mechanisms.

    Concurrently, Lori-Ann Glasgow assumes expanded responsibilities encompassing leadership of BCIC’s Direct Channel operations. Her portfolio now integrates branch operations, call center management, and marketing functions—a synergistic approach designed to fortify customer engagement strategies, communication frameworks, and direct sales initiatives. Glasgow’s previous contributions have already strengthened brand positioning and elevated customer interaction standards throughout the organization.

    The restructuring also promotes Joy Gibson to Regional Human Resources Manager, granting her oversight across amalgamated JNGI and BCIC operations. Gibson will spearhead human resources development, facilities management, and operational support systems while extending her regional accountability to Barbados. This enhanced mandate aims to institutionalize organizational coherence, workforce capabilities, and operational uniformity across the consolidated enterprise.

    Complementing these appointments, Anne McMorris Cover will helm BCIC’s transformation agenda focusing on digital modernization, system upgrades, service innovation, and improvement initiatives. Her role ensures the realization of tangible returns from the company’s ongoing technological investments.

    Managing Director Peter Levy emphasized that these promotions reflect BCIC’s confidence in internal talent and commitment to building a future-ready organization positioned to deliver consistent service quality, disciplined execution, and long-term stakeholder value.

  • Lee to investigate Corinth town house squatters

    Lee to investigate Corinth town house squatters

    A disturbing housing controversy has emerged in Trinidad following revelations that squatters attempted to occupy a government-subsidized home weeks before the legitimate owners were scheduled to receive their keys. The incident occurred at a Housing Development Corporation (HDC) townhouse in Riverside South, Corinth, near San Fernando, where a family with children had already made substantial payments toward the property.

    The concerned couple, who have chosen to remain anonymous, filed an official police report on December 29 after being alerted that unauthorized individuals were inside their designated home and preparing to move in. This development has sparked a significant political confrontation regarding housing policy and property rights under the current administration.

    Housing Minister David Lee initially responded to the situation on December 31, stating he would investigate the matter through HDC channels. However, the incident quickly escalated into a broader political debate when former housing minister Camille Robinson-Regis revealed that following the April 28 general election, the HDC had implemented a policy to ‘regularize squatters currently occupying HDC properties without permission.’

    Robinson-Regis condemned this approach as fundamentally flawed, arguing that it represents governmental laziness and a problematic shortcut to addressing housing shortages. She highlighted the contradiction in government simultaneously condemning lawlessness while officially sanctioning illegal occupation of state properties.

    The former minister connected this policy to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s recent characterization of Trinidad and Tobago as ‘a lawless dump’ during her defense of increased traffic fines. Robinson-Regis also referenced previous instances of political interference in housing matters, noting that Oropouche East MP Dr. Roodal Moonilal, now Energy Minister, had previously called for HDC to halt evictions by claiming those being removed were political targets of the PNM.

    The controversy raises serious questions about ministerial oversight at HDC and whether current housing policies maintain the necessary standards of fairness, transparency, and respect for the rule of law that should govern public housing distribution.

  • Cop and teen feared drowned in New Year’s tragedy at Portmore beach

    Cop and teen feared drowned in New Year’s tragedy at Portmore beach

    PORTMORE, St. Catherine – A tragic incident unfolded at Hellshire Beach on Thursday when an off-duty police officer and a teenage boy disappeared in perilous waters and are now presumed deceased. The officer has been identified as Constable Shamar Grant, who was officially on sick leave from duty at the time of the incident.

    According to preliminary reports, the sequence of events began when a woman and the adolescent encountered severe difficulties while swimming. Witnessing their distress, Constable Grant, despite his medical leave status, immediately intervened in a courageous attempt to rescue them. During the rescue operation, Grant himself became overwhelmed by the aquatic conditions and also began to struggle.

    Emergency responders managed to successfully extract the woman from the water. She was subsequently transported to Spanish Town Hospital for immediate medical attention. Her current health status remains undisclosed by authorities.

    Tragically, both Constable Grant and the young boy were submerged and could not be located. As of the latest updates, an extensive search-and-recovery operation is actively underway. Personnel from the specialized Marine Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force have been deployed to assist local teams in these efforts, combing the area in the hope of locating the missing individuals.

  • Venus Williams gets Australian Open wildcard aged 45

    Venus Williams gets Australian Open wildcard aged 45

    MELBOURNE, Australia — In a landmark moment for professional tennis, legendary athlete Venus Williams has been granted a wildcard entry to compete in the 2024 Australian Open at age 45. This historic announcement on Friday establishes the American superstar as the most senior female competitor ever to participate in the season’s inaugural Grand Slam tournament.

    The seven-time major singles champion, whose on-court appearances have been selectively limited in recent seasons, will make her first main draw appearance at Melbourne Park since 2021. Williams expressed enthusiasm about her return to Australian courts, stating: ‘I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer. I’ve had so many incredible memories there and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career.’

    Williams’ extraordinary resume includes five Wimbledon titles and two US Open championships, complemented by Australian Open singles final appearances in both 2003 and 2017. Her upcoming participation breaks the previous age record held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who competed at 44 during the 2015 tournament.

    The four-time Australian Open doubles champion will commence tournament preparations at next week’s Auckland Classic, following her return to competitive play at last year’s US Open after a 16-month hiatus. Williams will subsequently compete at the Hobart International before the Grand Slam event scheduled from January 18 to February 1.

    Fellow American and two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff praised Williams’ enduring career, remarking: ‘She’s a legend of the sport, so it will be cool to see her back in action. It’s incredible the longevity of her career. She’s one of the people I looked up to, so looking forward to seeing her back on court.’

  • US pledges continued support for Haiti

    US pledges continued support for Haiti

    As Haiti commemorates the 222nd anniversary of its independence from France, international voices have united in addressing the nation’s profound security and governance challenges. The United States, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has reaffirmed its commitment to a long-term partnership with the Caribbean nation. This pledge centers on a multi-faceted approach to strengthen security infrastructures, restore national stability, and lay the groundwork for sustainable economic prosperity.

    A cornerstone of the US strategy involves robust support for the establishment of a specialized Gang Suppression Force (GSF). This unit is designed to operate in concert with Haitian security forces to dismantle the pervasive control of criminal gangs, including groups designated by the US as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Rubio’s statement also acknowledged the incremental progress made by Haiti’s transitional government and its provisional electoral council as they prepare for the country’s first national elections in over a decade, scheduled for 2026. The US has vowed to continue encouraging and assisting these efforts to ensure a secure and democratic electoral process.

    Echoing the call for tranquility from a spiritual perspective, Pope Leo XIV has championed the concept of a ‘disarmed peace’ for Haiti. This doctrine, as welcomed and elucidated by Bishop Gontrand Décoste of Jérémie, demands a complete cessation of hostilities and the absolute absence of firearms. It is framed not merely as a ceasefire but as a profound process of dialogue aimed at persuading those who wield power through violence to voluntarily surrender their arms. The ultimate objective is the restoration of state authority and national security.

    Despite these international endorsements, the ground reality remains dire. Bishop Décoste conceded that Haiti is effectively held hostage by coalitions of armed gangs and terrorists. These entities continue to paralyze the economy, blockade critical transportation routes, and fuel an expansive regional drug trade. The bishop condemned a culture where certain parties profit from the widespread insecurity and the illicit sale of ammunition, a stark contrast to the abject poverty endured by the general populace.

    Nevertheless, a thread of resilient optimism persists. Drawing inspiration from Pope John Paul II’s historic visit 42 years ago and the enduring cry of ‘Haiti will live,’ the Haitian church and its people are engaging in acts of spiritual resistance. Marian pilgrimages in Port-au-Prince have transformed into symbols of defiance against the prevailing darkness, embodying the hopeful embrace of Pope Leo XIV’s assertion: ‘Evil will not prevail.’

  • FEEL to launch new wave of donor engagement in 2026

    FEEL to launch new wave of donor engagement in 2026

    The Foundation for the Enhancement and Enrichment of Life (FEEL) is embarking on an ambitious donor engagement strategy for 2026 with the establishment of the FEEL 1000 Club, a collaborative network uniting individual philanthropists and corporate entities to bolster the organization’s humanitarian mission.

    In a year-end statement released December 30, the Trinidad and Tobago-based nonprofit issued an open invitation to both public and private sector stakeholders to participate in what it described as an “impactful initiative” designed to strengthen community support systems nationwide.

    Reflecting on a remarkably productive 2025, FEEL characterized the past year as a period of disciplined leadership, strategic expansion, and steadfast dedication to public service. The organization reported substantial scaling of operations, with monthly distributions of food provisions and cleaning supplies reaching 130 registered nonprofit organizations—support valued at exceeding $1.1 million monthly.

    Educational institutions also benefited from FEEL’s outreach, with quarterly deliveries of stationery and sanitation materials provided to 50 schools, ensuring essential resources for thousands of students. Through strengthened international partnerships, the organization received 55 forty-foot containers of staple food items, medical supplies, and household goods—totaling over 300,000 individual items with an estimated value surpassing $45 million.

    The foundation’s 2025 achievements were further amplified by two successful fundraising events: the Fourth Annual Charity Golf Tournament and a traditional Chinese dinner. These gatherings united cross-sector supporters from corporate, civil society, and philanthropic circles, reinforcing FEEL’s reputation as a trusted agent of national development.

    Chairman Dr. Sterling Frost acknowledged the board of directors for maintaining FEEL’s operational efficiency, transparency, and high-impact delivery standards. As the organization marks its 33rd year of service, Frost extended gratitude to numerous contributors including Fernandes Industrial Centre, Food for the Poor, United Way TT, Republic Bank Ltd, and multiple partners from energy, finance, and manufacturing sectors.

    Frost concluded with appreciation for warehouse staff, distribution assistants, transport providers, and national agencies, emphasizing that continued donor support enables FEEL to serve vulnerable populations with “compassion, consistency, and care.”

  • R and R Proj steps into soca

    R and R Proj steps into soca

    Trinidadian-American musical collaborators Ron Metivier and Rhonda Rosales have embarked on an exciting new artistic journey with their inaugural soca release titled “Poison,” representing a significant evolution for their collaborative venture known as R and R Proj. Despite relocating to the United States in 2019, the duo maintains profound connections to their Trinidadian cultural heritage, which powerfully informs their creative expression.

    Rosales, whose musical journey began at age five under the mentorship of her grandmother and uncle Anderson Rosales of G Sharp and Friends, brings extensive performance experience to the partnership. Her credentials include a 20-year tenure with parang ensemble Los Alumnos de San Juan, finalist status on Scouting for Talent, membership in Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO), and performances at Kaiso House calypso tent (now D’Kaiso Dynasty). She has also served as lead vocalist for parang group Fuego Caribeño and performed internationally as a cultural ambassador alongside legendary artists including the late calypsonian Hawthorn “King Wellington” Quashie.

    Metivier complements this vocal excellence with multi-instrumental mastery, specializing in cuatro, guitar, and bass while skillfully blending traditional Caribbean sounds with contemporary influences. His musical development began at age 13, earning early recognition through the Junior National Parang Association before becoming the youngest cuatro player in renowned band Salsa Picante under maestro Robert Munro’s guidance. His professional experience includes extensive performances across the Caribbean, North America, and Europe, plus directing and arranging for numerous cultural ensembles.

    The collaborators describe “Poison” as an organic development born from their shared musical passion and creative synergy. While both artists have established reputations in parang, soca parang, and calypso genres, this release marks their deliberate entry into mainstream soca music. Metivier explains their motivation: “With our roots in the calypso tent and as proud Trinidadians, we wanted to make a strong contribution to the soca kingdom,” noting how the single captures Carnival’s passion, rhythm, and collective spirit.

    Musically, “Poison” represents a fusion of styles shaped by Metivier’s instrumental versatility and Rosales’ commanding vocal presence. The recording benefited from Samuel Jack’s (Jhaqkmix) production expertise at New York’s Maddagain Production Studio, owned by Roger “Patch” Joseph. Despite its international production, the track maintains authentic Trinidadian roots according to the artists.

    The duo’s collaborative dynamic leverages years of shared performance experience. Metivier describes their partnership as “a blend of voice and vision” where Rosales’ powerhouse vocals provide emotion and energy while his musical direction shapes sound and arrangement. This intimate creative exchange differs from his experience directing full bands, allowing constant idea exchange and co-creation.

    For Rosales, the project represents both artistic growth and personal renewal: “Having spent years in parang and calypso, Poison feels like a fresh chapter for me. It’s a chance to grow as an artiste, try something new and honour my roots.” Early audience responses have been enthusiastically positive, with fans and fellow artists connecting with the track’s energy and vibe.

    An animated music video is currently available on YouTube, with additional visual content planned for forthcoming release. The artists confirm this release merely begins their creative journey, promising more original music that blends genres, experiments with rhythms, and celebrates Caribbean cultural richness while honoring musical traditions. Their vision aims to inspire regional creativity and reach global audiences through evolutionary musical exploration.

  • NACC hosts semifinal of Young Kings

    NACC hosts semifinal of Young Kings

    In a landmark development for Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival season, the National Action Cultural Committee (NACC) has unveiled 25 semifinalists for the prestigious 2026 Young Kings Calypso Monarch competition. This year marks the inaugural introduction of a semifinal round, a structural enhancement prompted by overwhelming participation that saw over 90 entrants during preliminary auditions.

    NACC chairman Embau Moheni confirmed the historic expansion, emphasizing that the semifinal format is intended as a permanent fixture rather than a temporary measure. The selection process spanned multiple venues across the nation, with auditions conducted in Tobago on December 13, San Fernando on December 14, Republic Bank Exodus Pan Theatre on December 20, and Port of Spain’s Queen’s Park Savannah on December 21.

    Moheni expressed particular enthusiasm about both the quantity and quality of this year’s submissions, noting exceptional artistic standards that signal positive evolution for the calypso art form. While remaining cautious about discussing specific sponsorship arrangements and prize money, he indicated that negotiations were ongoing despite historical challenges in this area.

    Among the notable semifinalists are defending champion Anthony ‘Squeezy Rankin’ La Fleur, whose 2025 victory came with the crowd favorite ‘Justice’, and last year’s runner-up Kyle ‘KC’ Cowie, who returns with his composition ‘Wah We Fighting For’. The semifinal roster showcases diverse thematic approaches, from Oscar Benjamin’s technologically-themed ‘AI Versus Man’ to Sheldon Bullen and Nyol Manswell’s peace-oriented entries ‘A Call for Peace’ and ‘My Prayer for Peace’ respectively.

    The competitive journey continues with a position draw scheduled for January 5 at the VIP Lounge of Queen’s Park Savannah Grand Stand, leading to the semifinal performances on January 18 at John Cupid Carnival Village. This expansion reflects both growing interest in traditional calypso music and the NACC’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent within Trinidad and Tobago’s rich cultural landscape.

  • Digicel/Digicel Foundation invest $1.7 mil to spread holiday cheer

    Digicel/Digicel Foundation invest $1.7 mil to spread holiday cheer

    Digicel and its philanthropic arm, Digicel Foundation, have demonstrated significant corporate citizenship through a combined investment of $1.7 million in community enhancement programs during the recent holiday season. This substantial financial commitment was channeled through two distinct initiatives: the Christmas Runs on Real Connections campaign and the Extraordinary Projects Impacting Communities (EPIC) programme.

    The Christmas campaign, allocated $700,000, focused on creating festive engagement through customer appreciation activities. A highlight of this initiative was the mobile Community Pop-Up Caravan that traversed markets and major thoroughfares nationwide. Accompanied by Santa Claus and festive assistants, the caravan distributed various gifts including grocery items and Christmas hams, creating spontaneous moments of joy for residents across both Trinidad and Tobago.

    Simultaneously, the Foundation reinforced its dedication to sustainable social development through its EPIC programme with a $1 million investment. This strategic funding initiative specifically targets the non-profit sector, providing substantial grants to organizations driving community-based projects. In early December, the foundation distributed ten grants of $100,000 each to selected NGOs nationwide. These funds are specifically earmarked for projects that promote sustainable development and create lasting positive impact in communities.

    The comprehensive investment strategy reflects Digicel’s core philosophy that seasonal celebrations should transcend mere festivity to generate tangible, meaningful differences in people’s lives. Both programs were specifically designed to foster genuine human connections while supporting broader national development objectives, according to the company’s December 31st media release.