Carib Scope

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  • Cabinet Reviews Progress on Barbuda International Airport Expansion

    Cabinet Reviews Progress on Barbuda International Airport Expansion

    The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has undertaken a comprehensive review of the ongoing expansion project at the Barbuda Codrington International Airport. This high-level assessment focused on evaluating the current progress, addressing implementation challenges, and strategizing for the timely completion of this critical infrastructure initiative.

    According to official statements, the expansion is a cornerstone of the government’s broader economic development agenda. The project aims to significantly enhance the airport’s operational capacity by extending runways, modernizing terminal facilities, and upgrading navigational systems. These improvements are designed to accommodate larger international aircraft, which is pivotal for transforming Barbuda’s tourism-driven economy.

    The review session highlighted the strategic importance of the airport as a gateway for increased tourist arrivals and a catalyst for post-hurricane economic recovery. Cabinet members received detailed briefings from the Ministry of Tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority, analyzing project timelines, budgetary allocations, and logistical coordination. The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the project adheres to international aviation standards while creating local employment opportunities during its construction phase.

    This infrastructure overhaul is widely viewed as essential for improving connectivity between Barbuda and its sister island, Antigua, as well as establishing direct international flight routes. The enhanced facility is expected to stimulate investment in the hospitality sector and bolster the overall resilience of the nation’s transportation network.

  • Jereem meets Lyles in 300m at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix

    Jereem meets Lyles in 300m at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix

    Trinidad and Tobago’s premier sprinter Jereem Richards is poised for a formidable early-season challenge as he prepares to compete in the men’s 300-meter event at the prestigious New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston on January 24. The race, scheduled for approximately 4:20 PM Trinidad and Tobago time, will serve as the culminating event of a day filled with elite athletic competitions.

    The 32-year-old Richards enters a star-studded field that features multiple Olympic and world champions. His competition includes reigning 100-meter Olympic champion Noah Lyles, 2016 World Indoor 60-meter champion Trayvon Bromell, and versatile 400-meter specialist Vernon Norwood—a two-time Olympic gold medalist as part of the dominant US 4×400-meter relay team.

    Richards brings impressive credentials to the starting line, having established a new national record with his spectacular 43.72-second performance in the men’s 400-meter final at last year’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he captured the silver medal. The Caribbean athlete also holds the current meet record at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, having clocked 32.10 seconds in the 2018 edition.

    The statistical comparisons reveal the elite nature of this competition: Lyles boasts an indoor personal best of 31.87 seconds from 2017, while Norwood recorded his best time of 31.81 seconds in 2022. This event marks Bromell’s inaugural official 300-meter race, adding an element of unpredictability to the already intense competition.

    As the first World Athletics Indoor Tour gold meeting of the 2026 season, the Boston event provides critical competitive preparation for athletes building toward the World Athletics Indoor Championships scheduled for March 20-22 in Poland.

  • Kadeem Corbin helps Central grab point vs Army

    Kadeem Corbin helps Central grab point vs Army

    In a dramatic TT Premier Football League showdown on January 21, MIC Central FC mounted a resilient comeback to hold league leaders Defence Force to a 2-2 draw at Phase 2 La Horquetta Recreation Grounds. The match, a rescheduled fixture between last season’s runners-up and defending champions, delivered intense action and strategic gameplay.

    Defence Force appeared poised to extend their dominance after securing a 1-0 victory in the teams’ previous encounter on January 17 at Dwight Yorke Stadium, where central defender Shirwin Noel’s spectacular strike decided the outcome.

    The Army/Coast Guard combination established early control with winger Tyrese Bailey opening the scoring in the 17th minute. Central FC responded with determination as defender Alvin Jones leveled the score in the 35th minute, marking his inaugural goal of the season. Bailey restored Defence Force’s advantage just before halftime, capitalizing on stoppage time to complete his brace and establish a 2-1 lead.

    The second half saw Defence Force pressing to widen their table lead, but Central FC’s persistence paid dividends when veteran striker Kadeem Corbin delivered the decisive blow in the 76th minute. Corbin’s clinical finish secured a valuable point for his team and prevented Defence Force from creating a five-point cushion at the summit.

    In the accompanying La Horquetta double-header, 1976 FC Phoenix replicated their previous success against Caledonia AIA with another 2-0 victory. Javon Williams broke the deadlock in the 20th minute before midfielder Ammari Alleyne sealed the result with a 52nd-minute strike. This fourth triumph of the campaign propelled Phoenix from tenth to ninth position in the twelve-team standings.

    The draw leaves Defence Force atop the table with 33 points from 13 matches, maintaining a three-point advantage over second-place Club Sando (30 points), while Police FC occupies third position with 27 points. Central FC remains in sixth place with 18 points, demonstrating their capacity to challenge the league’s elite teams.

  • Holy Name, St Joseph’s Convent power to volleyball wins

    Holy Name, St Joseph’s Convent power to volleyball wins

    The Eastern Regional Indoor Sport Arena in Tacarigua witnessed exceptional athletic performances this week as Holy Name Convent and St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain (SJCPoS) delivered commanding displays in the Secondary Schools Volleyball League competitions.

    In Wednesday’s Under-17 division matches, SJCPoS demonstrated remarkable consistency with consecutive straight-set victories. The team first overcame Tunapuna Secondary with scores of 25-17 and 25-19, immediately followed by a dominant performance against ASJA Girls’ College Charlieville, securing a 25-19, 25-6 win. Tunapuna Secondary managed to rebound from their earlier defeat by claiming a hard-fought victory against ASJA College at 25-17, 25-21.

    The previous day featured equally impressive Under-15 category action, with Holy Name Convent achieving a remarkable triple victory sweep. Their campaign began with a decisive win against Naparima Girls’ High School (25-7, 25-17), followed by a thrilling comeback victory over Holy Faith Convent Couva. After dropping the first set 22-25, Holy Name mounted a strong recovery to take the subsequent sets 25-16 and 15-9. They concluded their successful run with a comprehensive defeat of St Augustine Girls’ High School at 25-15, 25-6.

    Naparima Girls’ High School also enjoyed competitive success, securing two victories against St Augustine (25-15, 25-20) and Holy Faith Convent (25-19, 25-23). Holy Faith Convent found consolation in their final match, defeating St Augustine 25-12, 25-21 to conclude the day’s proceedings.

    The league action was scheduled to continue at Pleasantville Indoor Sporting Arena with boys’ Under-17 matches on January 23rd, maintaining the momentum of this exciting school volleyball tournament.

  • ZOSOs and rule of law: Lessons not yet learned

    ZOSOs and rule of law: Lessons not yet learned

    Prominent attorney Vanna Jankiepersad has issued a scathing critique of Trinidad and Tobago’s proposed Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Bill, 2026, revealing fundamental weaknesses in both legislative technique and operational practicality.

    The legislation, designed to establish special security and community development measures in designated areas, faces criticism for its poor drafting quality and failure to integrate with existing legal frameworks. Legal analysis indicates that numerous provisions merely reiterate established police procedures already codified in Police Standing Orders, rather than introducing substantive new regulations.

    A striking example emerges in Clause 16(2)(c), which mandates that female individuals must be searched exclusively by female officers. This requirement represents standard operational protocol rather than novel legislation, raising questions about the Executive’s approach to legislating internal police practices.

    The proposed bill follows the recent discontinuation of the state of emergency regime, which was marred by widespread allegations of police misconduct and unlawful detentions. Legal experts highlight the government’s failure to address critical accountability questions from the previous emergency period, including the number of preventive detentions, subsequent charges, and potential state liability for wrongful imprisonment claims.

    The case of businessman Danny Guerra illustrates these concerns vividly. Detained under a preventive order in November 2025, Guerra remained incarcerated for nearly six weeks without evidence satisfying statutory prerequisites before his January release. This case, along with Justice Frank Seepersad’s recent admonition for legislation holding officers personally accountable for authority abuses, underscores the systemic accountability deficit.

    Legal analysis concludes that legislative amendments cannot compensate for inadequate police training or weak accountability mechanisms. The effectiveness and constitutional validity of the ZOSOs Bill depend on incorporating legal precision, operational safeguards, and genuine institutional accountability—moving beyond mere legislative symbolism toward substantive reform.

  • AG in Barbados – ZOSO Bill on hold

    AG in Barbados – ZOSO Bill on hold

    The Trinidad and Tobago Senate remains gridlocked after three days of intense deliberation on the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Bill, 2026. The proposed legislation, already approved by the House of Representatives on January 16, has sparked contentious debate among government, opposition, and independent senators, revealing deep ideological divisions regarding national security approaches.

    The bill would empower Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, as National Security Council chair, to designate specific high-crime areas as Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs) for up to 180 days, in consultation with police and military leadership. However, the legislation requires a three-fifths majority (19 votes) for passage, presenting a significant challenge for the government which holds only 15 of the Senate’s 30 seats.

    Debate turned particularly heated when Government Senator David Nakhid accused the opposition PNM party of racially targeting black communities, claiming they view black citizens merely as “a vote bank.” The comments prompted temporary Opposition Senator Taharqa Obika to formally complain to Senate President Wade Mark, resulting in a warning issued to Nakhid.

    The absence of Attorney General John Jeremie during critical debate sessions raised questions, though Government Business Leader Barry Padarath clarified Jeremie was representing Trinidad and Tobago at an official meeting in Barbados. Daniel Rasheeed was temporarily appointed to fill Jeremie’s Senate position during his absence.

    Independent Senators emerged as pivotal voices in the debate, with Candice Jones-Simmons emphasizing that “scrutiny must never be sacrificed for expediency” while Anthony Vieira, SC, defended the independent senators’ role to “ask uncomfortable questions” when legislation expands state powers. Meanwhile, Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste appealed for collaborative action, arguing that murder rates among young black men have become normalized and require immediate intervention.

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar previously criticized independent senators and opponents of the bill, accusing them of defending “violent criminals” and displaying “fake sense of humanity.” Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles condemned these remarks as “divisive and reckless tirade” intended to bully dissenters into silence.

    The Senate will resume consideration of the controversial bill on January 27, with the nation awaiting whether compromises can be reached on legislation that balances security concerns with constitutional protections and community rights.

  • Windies Under-19s to play Ireland in Super Sixes on January 24

    Windies Under-19s to play Ireland in Super Sixes on January 24

    The West Indies Under-19 cricket team is poised to commence their Super Six stage campaign at the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026 with a critical match against Ireland in Windhoek, Namibia. Scheduled for January 25 at 3:30 AM Trinidad and Tobago time, this encounter marks the first of two decisive Super Six fixtures for the Caribbean squad.

    Having secured their advancement through a impressive 55-run victory over South Africa on January 22, the West Indies finished second in their preliminary group with four points from two victories and one defeat. Their group stage performance included triumphs against Tanzania and South Africa, with their sole loss coming against Afghanistan.

    The Super Six phase features twelve qualifying teams: West Indies, Afghanistan, South Africa, England, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Ireland. Notably, all points, wins, and net run-rate statistics from the group matches carry forward into this decisive stage.

    Ireland’s path to the Super Six saw mixed results, with a victory against Japan offset by losses to Australia and Sri Lanka during the group phase. The West Indies must overcome the Irish challenge and deliver an exceptional performance against defending champions Australia on January 28 to secure a coveted semi-final berth.

    Historical context adds significance to the upcoming matches: the West Indies claimed the U-19 World Cup title in 2016, while Australia boasts four championships (1988, 2002, 2010, and 2024), establishing them as the most successful team in the tournament’s history.

  • Central Sports begin league hat-trick hunt as local cricket season bowls off

    Central Sports begin league hat-trick hunt as local cricket season bowls off

    The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) Premiership I League kicks off its 2026 campaign with defending champions Central Sports beginning their pursuit of a historic third consecutive title. The opening round features Central Sports facing Prisons at Invaders Recreation Ground in Felicity on January 24.

    Central Sports enter the season with dominant momentum, having secured back-to-back championships in the two-day format competition. However, the reigning champions will commence their title defense without key contributor Kamil Pooran, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force opening batsman who has transferred to last season’s runners-up, Bess Motors Marchin Patriots. Pooran’s departure represents a significant roster change for the defending champions.

    The league’s opening fixtures present several compelling matchups: Marchin Patriots debut their new signing against Yorkshire at Cunjal Recreation Grounds, while Queen’s Park Cricket Club confront Merryboys at Diego Martin Sporting Complex. Southern teams Victoria Sport and Clarke Road clash in Barrackpore, and Preysal hosts PowerGen in another premier division contest.

    Adding innovation to the 2026 season, the TTCB has introduced a new mid-week 30-over competition scheduled to commence on February 3, providing additional competitive opportunities for participating teams across both Premiership divisions.

    The complete opening round fixture list includes matches across Premiership I and II divisions, with North and South sections of Premiership II featuring contests including QPCC II versus Police at Queen’s Park Oval, Endeavour against Cosmos at Endeavour grounds, and several other regional rivalries.

  • Naps Girls, BATCE students take President’s Medal – while 105 schols awarded

    Naps Girls, BATCE students take President’s Medal – while 105 schols awarded

    In a significant recognition of academic achievement, the Trinidad and Tobago government has announced the recipients of the prestigious 2026 President’s Medals for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE). Elizabeth Singh of Naparima Girls High School and Aliya Serrette of Bishop Anstey High School and Trinity College East (BATCE) have been honored as the nation’s top performers in their respective academic categories.

    The announcement was formally made by Professor Prakash Persad, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, during a January 23 session in the House of Representatives. Minister Persad revealed that alongside these honors, the government will disburse 105 national scholarships totaling $35.8 million, representing an increase from the 103 scholarships awarded in 2025.

    Academic excellence was categorized into two distinct fields. Singh emerged as the outstanding student in the Environmental Studies, Information Communication Technology, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences division. Serrette distinguished herself in the Business Studies, Creative Writing and Performance Studies, General Studies, Modern Studies and Humanities, Language Studies, and Technical Studies category.

    The scholarship allocation comprises 47 open scholarships and 58 additional scholarships, as approved by the Cabinet based on recommendations from the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training. Demographic data shows 39 male and 66 female recipients among the scholars.

    Minister Persad emphasized the ongoing accountability requirements for scholarship recipients, noting that their academic performance will be monitored by the ministry’s scholarship department throughout their studies. Scholars must maintain the required cumulative grade point average to continue receiving support.

    The minister extended congratulations to all awardees, highlighting that their achievements bring pride to the government, ministry, nation, families, and educational institutions. The nation anticipates their future contributions to national development upon successful completion of their studies.

  • Marcelle: Provide relief for citizens

    Marcelle: Provide relief for citizens

    The Trinidad and Tobago House of Representatives witnessed a tumultuous session during Private Members’ Day on January 23, with opposition and government members engaging in fierce exchanges over mass terminations and their socioeconomic consequences.

    Laventille West MP Kareem Marcelle introduced a resolution highlighting the severe impact of widespread contract non-renewals across public bodies and state agencies. The motion emphasized that vulnerable communities—including single mothers, female-headed households, youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities—are experiencing disproportionate effects, leading to increased food insecurity, school absenteeism, mental health challenges, and social exclusion risks.

    Marcelle accused the governing United National Congress (UNC) of administering through ‘fear, evil, hate, and intimidation,’ claiming that post-election policies have targeted citizens who previously applied for positions between 2015-2025. He referenced the tragic case of Richard Cooper, who was found unresponsive after being laid off, as emblematic of the human cost of these actions.

    Government members repeatedly challenged the relevance of Marcelle’s statements, with Speaker Jagdeo Singh cautioning against hyperbolic rhetoric. The opposition maintained that the terminations represent an unjust ‘war against the most vulnerable.’

    Couva South MP Barry Padarath countered that the motion rested on false premises, asserting that the previous People’s National Movement (PNM) administration had left a legacy of ‘debt and destruction.’ He defended the government’s actions as necessary to eliminate ‘improper, unsustainable, unlawful practices’ including ghost rentals, leases, and Cabinet notes from the previous decade.

    St Ann’s East MP Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly delivered an emotional address, comparing the current economic crisis to the 1980s era that produced ‘barrel children.’ She highlighted that over 40,000 terminations—affecting more than 20,000 vulnerable women with school-aged children—have created an education emergency with approximately 40,000 children at risk of dropping out. She criticized the government’s inadequate response compared to COVID-19 relief measures.

    La Brea MP Clyde Elder accused the opposition of hypocrisy, recalling PNM-era closures of Petrotrin, GHRS, and the Tourism Development Company. He presented data showing significant declines in social programs under the previous administration, including dramatic reductions in GATE recipients (from 59,605 to 15,491), HYPE participants (771 to 264), and HELP loans (2,023 to 612).

    The session concluded without resolution, adjourning to a future date as both sides remained deeply divided on addressing the nation’s growing socioeconomic challenges.