Carib Scope

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  • SSFL boss excited as girls premiership to finally kick off

    SSFL boss excited as girls premiership to finally kick off

    After six years of postponements, Trinidad and Tobago’s Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) will finally launch its groundbreaking girls’ premiership division in 2026. The long-awaited initiative, initially scheduled for 2020, faced multiple setbacks including pandemic-related disruptions and financial challenges before securing full sponsorship from the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA).

    SSFL president Merere Gonzales expressed profound relief at the resolution of logistical constraints that previously hindered the competition’s implementation. The announcement came during TTFA president Kieron Edwards’ year-end address, where he confirmed the association’s complete backing of the pioneering women’s development program.

    The inaugural season will feature a selective format, drawing the most competitive schools from each of the five SSFL zones to ensure high-quality matches from the outset. Gonzales revealed the league would begin with at least one representative institution per zone, establishing a foundation for future expansion through promotion and relegation systems.

    This structural development represents a significant advancement for women’s football in the Caribbean nation, aiming to elevate playing standards and broaden the talent pool for national team selection. The premiership is expected to create a more attractive, high-intensity tournament environment that will motivate championship division teams to compete for top-tier status.

    FIFA’s strong advocacy for increased female football participation has been instrumental in driving this initiative forward. Gonzales emphasized that while men’s football maintains prominence, equal recognition for women’s sports remains essential for comprehensive athletic development.

    The SSFL simultaneously focuses on strengthening youth pathways, with existing U15 and U13 divisions serving as foundational tiers. League executives aim to further establish these developmental leagues across all zones, creating an integrated system that nurtures talent from early school years through premiership competition.

    This landmark achievement promises to reshape Trinidad and Tobago’s football landscape, offering female athletes unprecedented competitive opportunities and solidifying the nation’s commitment to gender equity in sports.

  • Couva Carnival gets going with pageant screening

    Couva Carnival gets going with pageant screening

    The Couva Carnival Committee (CCC) has officially announced the commencement of activities for Couva Carnival 2026, beginning with the screening of contestants for the Miss Central Trinidad Pageant on January 3rd at Lisas Gardens Community Centre. This year’s pageant, serving as the centerpiece of the six-day festivities, will take place on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, adding romantic significance to the traditional celebration.

    CCC chairman Ramchand Rajbal Maraj revealed that special Valentine’s-themed surprises await both participants and attendees. “We encourage everyone to arrive promptly on Carnival Saturday night at the Couva Carnival Centre for an exceptional experience,” Maraj stated, hinting at potential prizes for lucky audience members.

    The pageant serves as a strategic platform for aspiring models seeking advancement in the beauty industry, with organizers anticipating strong participation during the screening process. The event structure includes two preliminary activities: sponsor selection and contestant sashing on February 6th at Touch & Taste Restaurant, followed by a highly anticipated motorcade through central Trinidad’s communities on February 7th.

    Maraj expressed confidence that the 2026 celebrations would surpass previous years in scale and quality, citing enhanced organizational structures through specialized sub-committees. The committee is actively seeking sponsorship support from both public and private sectors, emphasizing the events’ consistent ability to attract thousands of attendees due to their high production values.

    Separately, auditions for the Couva Calypso Monarch competition—featuring both senior and junior categories—are scheduled for January 11th at Balmain Community Centre, further expanding the carnival’s artistic programming.

  • SSFL boss excited as girls premiership to finally kick off

    SSFL boss excited as girls premiership to finally kick off

    After six years of anticipation and postponements, Trinidad and Tobago’s Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) will finally inaugurate its girls’ premiership division in 2026. The breakthrough comes following confirmed full sponsorship from the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), as announced by president Kieron Edwards in his year-end address.

    The girls’ premiership was originally scheduled to debut in 2020 but faced successive setbacks due to the global pandemic and subsequent financial challenges. Despite previous assurances of a 2025 launch during the SSFL’s September league launch, logistical complications necessitated further delay according to league president Merere Gonzales.

    Edwards emphasized the transformative potential of this new division for women’s football development nationally. Gonzales praised the TTFA’s commitment and outlined the league’s initial structure, which will feature top schools from each of the SSFL’s five zones to ensure competitive quality from the outset.

    The inaugural season will implement a selective approach, potentially including one or two schools per zone, with plans to establish promotion and relegation mechanisms following the first season. This structure aims to create competitive incentives for championship division teams while expanding opportunities for female athletes.

    Beyond immediate competition, the premiership is expected to significantly elevate the standard of girls’ football across Trinidad and Tobago. It will serve as a crucial talent pipeline for national team selection, particularly ahead of regional and international tournaments. Gonzales highlighted alignment with FIFA’s advocacy for increased female football investment and recognition.

    The SSFL executive also focuses on strengthening youth pathways, with existing U15 and U13 divisions serving as foundational tiers. The long-term vision involves establishing a comprehensive development structure that nurtures talent from early stages through to senior levels, ultimately expanding the nation’s pool of female footballers and leaving a lasting impact on Trinidad and Tobago’s football landscape.

  • Couva Carnival gets going with pageant screening

    Couva Carnival gets going with pageant screening

    The Couva Carnival Committee (CCC) has unveiled ambitious plans for its 2026 festivities, commencing with the screening of aspirants for the Miss Central Trinidad Pageant on January 3rd at Lisas Gardens Community Centre. This year’s pageant gains distinctive prominence as it coincides with Valentine’s Day celebrations on February 14th, promising unique romantic-themed surprises for both participants and attendees.

    CCC chairman Ramchand Rajbal Maraj revealed that the committee has engineered special Valentine’s-inspired attractions that will create memorable experiences for carnival-goers. “We encourage everyone to arrive promptly on Carnival Saturday evening at the Couva Carnival Centre for an exceptional spectacle,” Maraj announced. “Attendees might depart with extraordinary Valentine-themed surprises that will make this celebration truly unforgettable.”

    The pageant serves as the centerpiece of Couva’s six-day carnival extravaganza and functions as a strategic springboard for young women pursuing careers in the beauty industry. Maraj anticipates robust participation during the screening process, noting the event’s established reputation for launching successful pageant careers.

    Two significant preliminary events will precede the grand finals: the sponsor selection and contestant sashing ceremony at Touch & Taste Restaurant in California on February 6th, followed by an extensive motorcade through central Trinidad’s communities on February 7th.

    Maraj projected that the 2026 celebrations would surpass previous years in scale and quality, citing enhanced organizational structures with specialized sub-committees overseeing specific event aspects. The committee is actively seeking increased sponsorship support from both public and private sector entities, emphasizing the events’ demonstrated capacity to attract thousands of participants due to their exceptional production quality.

    In parallel developments, auditions for the Couva Calypso Monarch competitions will commence on January 11th at Balmain Community Centre, featuring both senior and junior categories starting at 9:00 AM.

  • Coastguardsman denied promotion, gets $175,000 in damages

    Coastguardsman denied promotion, gets $175,000 in damages

    In a landmark ruling that exposes significant administrative failures within Trinidad and Tobago’s defense establishment, High Court Justice Kevin Ramcharan has ordered the state to pay $175,000 in damages to Coast Guard Lieutenant (Naval) Chevon Diaz for unlawfully denying his promotion. The December 30 judgment revealed that flawed performance evaluations and unsubstantiated allegations regarding a missing weapon were improperly utilized to hinder Diaz’s career advancement.

    The court determined that Diaz, an 18-year veteran of the TT Coast Guard (TTCG), was unjustly bypassed for promotion to acting lieutenant commander due to irrelevant and unsupported claims that contaminated decisions affecting his seniority, compensation, and professional trajectory. Justice Ramcharan delivered a sharply critical assessment of the evidence presented by the state, particularly questioning the affidavit testimony of then-Coast Guard commanding officer Captain Don Polo (now Chief of Defence Staff), which demonstrated repeated claims of ignorance regarding matters directly within his purview.

    Central to the case was a 2018 incident involving a missing firearm. The court established that Diaz was not in command of the vessel when the weapon disappeared and that a rating outside his crew was responsible. Since no finding of guilt was ever made against Diaz, the judge ruled that his seniority could not legally be impacted and that negative appraisals connected to the incident should not have been used to penalize him.

    Justice Ramcharan expressed particular concern about the quality of the defense’s evidence, noting: ‘On several occasions, Capt Polo averred that he could not admit or deny certain allegations because it was not within his knowledge. Clearly that cannot be true. He must know about matters concerning him. Therefore, the court views Capt Polo’s averments with respect to those issues very skeptically.’

    The court established that Diaz should have been promoted to acting lieutenant commander on September 15, 2017—exactly six years after his appointment as lieutenant—and to the substantive rank on September 15, 2020, aligning with previous High Court precedent regarding promotion timelines.

    Regarding Diaz’s claim for the Efficiency Medal, which requires 12 years of ‘irreproachable’ service, the court determined that while the standard exceeds mere absence of convictions, the weapons incident could not have tarnished Diaz’s reputation since he was not responsible. The judge ordered reconsideration of the medal decision based solely on relevant factors, though stopped short of directly awarding the medal.

    The court awarded Diaz $100,000 in compensatory damages and $75,000 in vindicatory damages, plus 2.5% annual interest from the claim date until judgment, along with legal costs. Attorneys Arden Williams and Mariah Ramrattan successfully represented Diaz in both judicial review and constitutional proceedings against the Coast Guard commanding officer, the Defence Force Commissions Board, and the Attorney General.

  • Kraff’s management seeks to clarify circumstances for Galiday Bounce cancellation

    Kraff’s management seeks to clarify circumstances for Galiday Bounce cancellation

    A contractual disagreement between dancehall artist Kraff and event organizers has resulted in the abrupt cancellation of the highly anticipated Galiday Bounce New Year’s Eve celebration at New York’s Amazura Concert Hall.

    Kraff’s management team issued a detailed statement Thursday explaining their position, revealing that the artist’s headline performance was canceled due to unmet contractual obligations. According to the statement, despite prolonged negotiations and good-faith efforts to resolve outstanding issues, the promoters failed to satisfy critical requirements including confirmation of an agreed-upon deposit and finalized travel arrangements.

    The management emphasized that the decision to withdraw was made reluctantly after exhaustive attempts to salvage the situation. “Documentation supporting this timeline is on file,” the statement noted, underscoring the seriousness of the breach. They extended gratitude to disappointed fans while reaffirming their commitment to working exclusively with promoters who maintain professional standards essential for successful productions.

    This development follows earlier accusations from event promoter Galdiez Mendez, who launched social media criticism against Kraff Wednesday alleging unfulfilled contractual duties and demanding repayment of allegedly advanced funds. The conflicting narratives highlight the complex nature of performance agreements in the entertainment industry.

    Kraff’s representatives previously clarified that the performance was never formally contracted, discussed, or approved as a benefit concert, contradicting claims circulating within the industry. The cancellation has left fans disappointed and sparked conversations about professional standards in event planning and artist management.

  • New Year’s baby welcomed at Cornwall Regional

    New Year’s baby welcomed at Cornwall Regional

    Cornwall Regional Hospital inaugurated the new year with a momentous occasion as it welcomed its inaugural newborn of 2026. The first birth occurred in the early hours of Thursday, January 1st, marking a celebratory start to the year for the medical facility.

    The honor belongs to Devauney Vernon Jr., a healthy infant boy delivered precisely at 12:32 a.m. The newborn entered the world weighing 2.67 kilograms and measuring 47.5 centimeters in length.

    The delivery was successfully managed under the expert care of a dedicated medical team. Registered midwife Kemicka Bartley performed the delivery, with registered midwife Hermine Levy Letman serving as the nurse in charge, ensuring a safe and professional birthing process.

    The mother, Daina Johnson, a resident of King Street in Montego Bay, was reported to be radiant and joyful as she embarked on her New Year journey with her newborn son. This special event represents not only a personal milestone for the Johnson family but also a symbol of hope and new beginnings for the community served by Cornwall Regional Hospital.

  • Police confirm Granville killings, rifle seized

    Police confirm Granville killings, rifle seized

    A deadly confrontation between Jamaican security forces and armed individuals in the Brown’s Lane area of Granville, St James, resulted in three fatalities early on New Year’s Day, including a four-year-old child, according to official reports from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

    The incident unfolded when a joint police-military team responded to multiple reports of explosions and illegal firearm discharges in the community. Acting on intelligence indicating planned illegal gun salutes, security personnel encountered armed subjects who allegedly opened fire upon their arrival, prompting an exchange of gunfire.

    Following the altercation, two adult males were discovered with fatal gunshot wounds and were subsequently pronounced dead at a nearby medical facility. Authorities confirmed the seizure of a high-powered rifle from the scene. Tragically, a young child also perished in the incident, while a 68-year-old woman sustained injuries and received medical treatment.

    The JCF issued an official statement expressing profound regret for the child’s death and extending condolences to the affected family, while simultaneously emphasizing concern for all civilian casualties. The force has maintained a visible presence in the area to preserve public order and prevent further escalation.

    In response to the shootings, Granville residents organized protests alleging excessive use of lethal force by law enforcement personnel. Official investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are currently underway, with oversight bodies conducting thorough examinations. The identities of the deceased males remain pending formal verification.

  • Roman Catholic bishops call for Caribbean Day of Prayer

    Roman Catholic bishops call for Caribbean Day of Prayer

    PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – In a significant regional intervention, the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) has declared Thursday a Caribbean Day of Prayer, urging Roman Catholics across the archipelago to seek divine intervention for peace and stability. The appeal comes amid escalating military activities in Caribbean waters that threaten regional harmony.

    The AEC, representing 19 dioceses across 13 sovereign nations and numerous overseas territories, has positioned itself as a moral voice in growing geopolitical tensions. Archbishop Jason Gordon of Port of Spain, serving as AEC president, issued a comprehensive statement advocating for diplomatic solutions over military confrontation.

    Archbishop Gordon specifically addressed governments with Caribbean interests, including the United States, Venezuela, and CARICOM member states, urging them to prioritize dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation over force and intimidation. The religious leader expressed particular concern about the fragmentation of regional unity, calling for an urgent CARICOM summit to address divisive geopolitical disputes.

    The archbishop’s statement highlighted the rapid deterioration of regional stability since the AEC’s initial warning about military build-ups in October. What was previously identified as a troubling presence has evolved into active military operations featuring tanker seizures, expanded naval assets, and restrictive airspace measures that directly impact civilian populations.

    Citing the Caribbean’s longstanding designation as a Zone of Peace, the AEC leadership expressed alarm about developments that threaten human dignity and regional stability. The statement referenced recent lethal maritime incidents, blockade operations, and intensified surveillance activities that endanger innocent lives and exacerbate humanitarian suffering, particularly in Venezuela.

    While acknowledging states’ legitimate responsibility to combat transnational crime and uphold international law, the AEC emphatically stated that militarization cannot achieve lasting security. The conference warned that heightened military operations by global powers or regional actors foster mistrust, disrupt economies, and disproportionately endanger vulnerable populations.

    The AEC expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people, acknowledging their desire for democratic renewal and institutional integrity. Archbishop Gordon emphasized that Venezuela’s quest for justice and peace deserves respectful attention from the Caribbean Community, particularly during this critical juncture in the nation’s history.

  • Old Harbour United acquire Spanish Town Police FC

    Old Harbour United acquire Spanish Town Police FC

    In a significant restructuring of Jamaican football, Old Harbour United Football Club has announced its acquisition of struggling Jamaica Premier League side Spanish Town Police FC. The move marks a strategic pivot for Old Harbour United, which recently secured the St Catherine FA Division 1 title but will now relinquish this championship as they exit the St Catherine Major League.

    The acquisition signals a fundamental shift in Old Harbour United’s operational model. The club will transition exclusively into a football academy program, redirecting its focus toward youth development, player education, and cultivating future talent for both local and national football circuits. This strategic realignment demonstrates the organization’s commitment to sustainable growth and strengthening the regional football pipeline.

    The newly structured academy will emphasize technical training, discipline, and holistic player development while simultaneously supporting the competitive objectives of Spanish Town Police FC under its new ownership structure. Old Harbour United expressed appreciation to the St Catherine Football Association, players, coaching staff, supporters, and community partners for their sustained backing throughout the years.

    Spanish Town Police FC, established in 1977, achieved its historic first qualification to Jamaica’s top-flight football for the 2025/2026 season. However, the team has faced considerable challenges, securing only two victories from 14 matches and remaining anchored at the bottom of the 14-team league with just eight points. The club currently faces relegation, trailing four points behind both Chapelton Maroons and fellow promoted team Treasure Beach FC, who each hold 12 points.

    This merger potentially offers Spanish Town Police FC a crucial lifeline in their battle against relegation. Despite their struggles, the team has demonstrated competitive capability with victories over Waterhouse FC and Treasure Beach FC, suggesting potential for improved performance under the new ownership structure.