Carib Scope

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  • INDY sweep Jewels of the Caribbean titles

    INDY sweep Jewels of the Caribbean titles

    INDY Premier Sports Club from Indianapolis achieved a remarkable double victory at the Jewels of the Caribbean tournament, securing both the Under-17 and Under-20 girls’ championships in decisive fashion against Jamaican teams at Trinidad’s Hasely Crawford Stadium on December 21.

    The American club’s triumphant campaign culminated in two tightly contested finals that showcased their tactical discipline and clinical finishing. In the Under-17 final, INDY demonstrated superior offensive execution with a 2-0 victory over their Jamaican counterparts. The match saw Skylar Mueller break the deadlock in the 16th minute after expertly finishing a low cross from teammate Olivia Jones, who had created the opportunity with an impressive dribble past defenders on the left flank.

    Jones later cemented the victory with a 62nd-minute strike that sealed Jamaica’s fate. The Jamaican goalkeeper London Cathey fought valiantly but ultimately couldn’t withstand INDY’s persistent attacking pressure throughout the contest.

    The Under-20 final presented an equally compelling narrative of American soccer prowess as INDY secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory through set-piece excellence. Team captain Cadence Conrad delivered a precise corner kick in the 38th minute that found Samantha Slade, whose powerful header beat Jamaican goalkeeper London Phoenix for what proved to be the tournament-deciding goal.

    The dual championships mark a significant achievement for the Indianapolis-based club, highlighting the growing competitiveness of American youth soccer programs in international tournaments. The victories also underscore the increasing globalization of women’s soccer development, with clubs from non-traditional soccer nations making their mark on the Caribbean tournament circuit.

  • Teacher integrity, student safety

    Teacher integrity, student safety

    A disturbing revelation has emerged from Trinidad and Tobago’s Teaching Service Commission (TSC) 2024 Annual Report, highlighting a critical failure in addressing sexual misconduct within the education system. The document discloses 16 separate allegations categorized as ‘sexual abuse’ against educators, representing a profound institutional crisis that demands immediate attention.

    According to the report’s findings, five teachers collectively face 13 substantiated allegations, with one individual alone accounting for five separate accusations of professional misconduct. These cases have remained unresolved for over a year, creating an untenable situation for both the accused educators and the vulnerable students who courageously came forward.

    The TSC acknowledges the gravity of these allegations, stating it ‘continues to give increased attention to those disciplinary matters involving the abuse of children including physical and sexual abuse.’ However, this commitment rings hollow given the systemic delays plaguing the process. The commission cites multiple obstacles including sluggish court proceedings and extensive waiting periods before disciplinary tribunals as primary contributors to the backlog.

    Judicial scrutiny has intensified regarding the TSC’s operational effectiveness. In August 2024, Justice Frank Seepersad openly questioned whether the commission possesses the capability to efficiently manage teacher hiring, promotion, and disciplinary actions. This judicial concern reflects broader institutional failures, as the TSC has repeatedly faced legal challenges over inordinate delays in addressing appointments and promotion appeals.

    The justice system itself shares responsibility for this crisis. Astonishingly, zero court matters from the TSC reached the Judiciary in 2024, with fourteen cases remaining unheard and outstanding by year’s end. This paralysis affects all parties awaiting resolution, from minor administrative matters to serious abuse allegations.

    Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath has committed to modernizing policies and improving operational efficiency. However, stakeholders emphasize that practical guidance to schools and meaningful collaboration with the commission must become immediate priorities. Established in 1962 to oversee teacher appointments, transfers, promotions, and disciplinary controls, the TSC cannot fulfill its mandate when crippled by bureaucratic inertia and judicial delays that compromise child safety and educator integrity.

  • Family, friends remember ‘quiet riot’ Wilma Hendrickson

    Family, friends remember ‘quiet riot’ Wilma Hendrickson

    PORT OF SPAIN – The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) general secretary Shirlane Hendrickson delivered an emotionally charged eulogy for her late mother Wilma Hendrickson, who passed away at age 88 on December 12. The memorial service, conducted at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on December 19, gathered family members, close friends, and community figures to commemorate a woman widely regarded as a foundational pillar of strength and selflessness.

    Shirlane Hendrickson honored her mother as “the quiet riot”—a relentless motivator, spiritual anchor, and unwavering supporter throughout life’s most challenging moments. Blending spoken tributes with melodic intonations, her performance reflected Wilma’s vibrant character and profound spiritual dedication.

    She emphasized the core values Wilma instilled in her five children, including Diane “Lady Wonder” Hendrickson: the relentless pursuit of education, dignity, and personal dreams. Despite some family members residing abroad, Wilma’s nurturing presence remained a constant, transcending geographic boundaries through regular communication and emotional support.

    Beyond her immediate family, Wilma was remembered as a trusted confidante and cultural guardian within communities from Williamsville to Chafford Courts. She was deeply committed to preserving local traditions while building lasting relationships grounded in mutual respect and kindness.

    Her 52-year marriage to veteran calypsonian Anthony “All Rounder” Hendrickson stood as a testament to collaborative creativity and shared faith. Wilma co-wrote songs and supported her husband’s musical career, embodying a partnership that blended artistic endeavor with familial devotion.

    Anthony Hendrickson, reflecting on their life together, encouraged attendees to “walk on your own to God,” underscoring themes of perseverance, humility, and spiritual integrity. He recalled their marriage in 1960, spiritual awakening in 1985, and the enduring lessons of generosity Wilma imparted to all who knew her.

    The service concluded with burial rites at Western Cemetery in St James, leaving a community united in gratitude for a life lived with purpose, love, and unwavering faith.

  • Krystle Thorpe: Building a life of purpose, one client at a time

    Krystle Thorpe: Building a life of purpose, one client at a time

    In the competitive landscape of financial services, Krystle Thorpe stands out as a paradigm of empathetic leadership and professional excellence. The 37-year-old Sagicor Life advisor has cultivated an extraordinary career over ten years, transforming financial planning into a vehicle for delivering confidence and security to families across Jamaica.

    Thorpe’s journey began in humble circumstances, raised by a single mother alongside five siblings in St. Andrew’s Harriman’s Close neighborhood. Her early observations of maternal sacrifice became the foundation for her own determination to achieve more. After earning a business management degree from The University of the West Indies, Thorpe initially pursued marketing in a naturopathic medical office until a fortuitous encounter redirected her path.

    A casual conversation with a Sagicor client sparked curiosity about insurance—a field Thorpe had previously dismissed as commonplace. Despite initial reservations, she embraced the opportunity, dedicating two days weekly for a year to learn the profession under that agent’s mentorship. This apprenticeship culminated in Thorpe passing the Financial Services Commission’s rigorous examination, launching her formal career in 2015.

    Her decade-long tenure has been marked by consistent achievement, including annual qualification for the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table since her inaugural year—a testament to her unwavering commitment to client care. Beyond numerical success, Thorpe prioritizes meaningful relationships, noting that many clients have evolved into genuine friendships.

    Thorpe’s professional ascent followed personal challenges, including a difficult divorce in her twenties that tested her resilience. She credits this experience with forging greater mental strength and reinforcing her conviction that setbacks can become catalysts for growth. Now happily remarried, she balances her thriving career with active involvement in her faith community, describing her life as profoundly purposeful.

    Looking forward, Thorpe aims to transition into management where she can mentor emerging advisors, emphasizing integrity and human-centered service. Her professional philosophy transcends transactional metrics, focusing instead on the lasting impact of making clients feel understood and supported in pursuing their aspirations.

  • 5 things that will make you forget you’re still single this holiday season

    5 things that will make you forget you’re still single this holiday season

    While the holiday season brings festive cheer for many, it can amplify feelings of loneliness for single individuals. However, relationship status need not dictate one’s seasonal experience. Certified master life coach Marie Berbick-Bailey presents five transformative approaches for singles to rediscover joy and meaning during this period.

    Elevate Self-Care to VIP Status
    Rather than awaiting external validation, singles should prioritize self-appreciation. This involves curating personalized experiences such as attending holiday concerts, scheduling spa treatments, or acquiring desired gifts. Establishing solo traditions—like candlelit evenings with favorite music—can profoundly enhance personal fulfillment and demonstrate that self-worth originates from within rather than from relationship status.

    Channel Energy Through Service
    Redirecting focus toward others serves as a powerful antidote to loneliness. Volunteering at shelters, visiting nursing homes, or organizing gift drives for disadvantaged children creates meaningful connections beyond romantic relationships. These acts of generosity trigger intrinsic fulfillment, demonstrating that purpose derives from intentional living rather than marital status. Initiatives like ‘Secret Santa for strangers’ can particularly effectively shift perspective from personal lack to communal abundance.

    Cultivate Personalized Traditions
    Breaking from conventional family expectations allows singles to establish rituals aligned with their values. Whether organizing holiday movie marathons, hosting vision board parties with friends, or conducting gratitude walks, these practices create joy independent of partnership. The emphasis lies on developing traditions that resonate personally, eventually evolving into cherished annual practices that celebrate autonomy rather than accentuating absence.

    Strengthen Community Connections
    Holidays provide ideal opportunities to deepen platonic relationships. Organizing ‘Friendsmas’ dinners, group gift exchanges, or virtual gatherings reinforces that meaningful connections extend beyond romantic contexts. Themed events where participants share accomplishments while enjoying communal meals can generate profound camaraderie, effectively transforming potential isolation into celebration of chosen family.

    Engage in Reflective Practices
    The seasonal slowdown offers natural opportunities for spiritual contemplation and future planning. Journaling, meditation, or prayer can facilitate transitions from scarcity mindsets to abundance mentalities. Creating ‘joy lists’ that catalog existing blessings—from friendships to personal achievements—provides tangible evidence of life’s richness regardless of relationship status. This reflective practice grounds individuals in present fulfillment while constructively framing future aspirations.

    Marie Berbick-Bailey emphasizes that seasonal joy derives from internal resources rather than external circumstances. By implementing these strategies, singles can transform the holidays into periods of genuine celebration, self-discovery, and meaningful connection.

  • He won’t put a ring on it

    He won’t put a ring on it

    A relationship counselor has addressed the growing concerns among women in their late twenties and early thirties regarding marital timelines and relationship progression. The expert response came after a 30-year-old woman expressed anxiety about her three-year relationship showing no advancement toward marriage despite her clear intentions for family formation.

    Rev Christopher Brodber, a certified counselor and religious minister, emphasized the critical importance of establishing mutual life goals before deepening romantic involvement. He advised that individuals should approach relationships with both emotional and rational consideration rather than relying solely on romantic attraction. The counselor stressed that compatibility assessments should include alignment of visions, desires, and objectives rather than superficial qualities like physical appearance or perceived ambition.

    The expert identified a concerning pattern where some partners may delay marriage commitments when receiving relationship benefits without formal commitment. He referenced the Jamaican proverb about ‘getting milk without buying the cow’ to illustrate this dynamic. Brodber recommended that women establish clear boundaries and dealbreakers early in relationships, suggesting that serious discussions about future plans should typically occur within 18 months of dating for couples in their late twenties and thirties.

    While acknowledging changing social patterns where men may marry later due to various factors including financial considerations or commitment hesitancy, the counselor maintained that women should not abandon their marital aspirations. Instead, he advised seeking partners with congruent timelines and life goals. The expert concluded that difficult conversations and potentially difficult decisions are often necessary steps toward achieving long-term personal objectives regarding marriage and family formation.

  • Gaston Browne: Caricom major trade partner with Trinidad and Tobago

    Gaston Browne: Caricom major trade partner with Trinidad and Tobago

    A significant diplomatic dispute has emerged within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) following contentious remarks by Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who characterized the regional bloc as “unreliable,” “dysfunctional,” and “self-destructive.” The statements have prompted a robust rebuttal from Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who presented compelling economic data challenging these assertions.

    Prime Minister Browne revealed that Trinidad and Tobago generated over US$1.1 billion in foreign exchange from trade with CARICOM nations during 2024 alone. This substantial revenue stream comprised approximately US$784.7 million in domestic exports and US$501.3 million in re-exports to fellow member states. The figures position CARICOM as Trinidad’s second-largest export market, surpassed only by the United States.

    The economic relationship has proven remarkably advantageous for Trinidad, which has consistently maintained the largest merchandise trade surplus within CARICOM since the organization’s establishment in 1973. This unique position makes Trinidad the only member state to sustain a net positive trade balance with the community throughout its five-decade history.

    Browne emphasized that this favorable economic outcome has been facilitated by the Common External Tariff (CET) framework, under which CARICOM states apply protective tariffs on extra-regional imports to support Trinidad’s manufacturing sector. In 2024, member nations collectively sacrificed approximately US$142.7 million in potential customs revenue by sourcing goods from Trinidad under CET protection—an economic concession borne by Caribbean consumers in the spirit of regional solidarity.

    The 2024 Review of the Economy for Trinidad confirmed these patterns, reporting a trade surplus of $4,915 million with CARICOM countries during the nine-month period ending June 2024, with exports totaling $5,947.5 million from October 2023 through June 2024.

    Beyond economic cooperation, Browne highlighted CARICOM’s crucial role in addressing regional security challenges. He noted that Trinidad faces some of the Caribbean’s highest levels of organized crime, and regional cooperation through CARICOM security mechanisms, intelligence sharing, and coordinated law-enforcement initiatives has been essential to the response. Antigua and Barbuda, like other member states, has consistently supported these collective security efforts.

    The Antiguan leader framed CARICOM as a partnership rooted in shared history, bloodlines, struggle for independence, and a collective determination that small states are stronger when they act together. While acknowledging each nation’s sovereign right to conduct bilateral relations, Browne asserted that no member should question another’s legitimate engagement with international partners on matters affecting its citizens.

    Browne categorically rejected Persad-Bissessar’s claim that Antiguan leaders had “bad-mouthed” the United States, stating that no evidence exists to support this assertion. He highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s record of close collaboration with the US, including constructive engagement on security matters, immigration, and consistent cooperation in multilateral forums such as the UN and Organization of American States.

    The Prime Minister concluded that respectful dialogue with international partners does not constitute subservience, nor does regional consultation represent disloyalty. This balanced approach, he argued, has served the region well for decades and should not be undermined by divisive rhetoric when facts clearly demonstrate the value of interdependence.

  • Powder Magazine residents brace for violence again

    Powder Magazine residents brace for violence again

    Residents of Phase One, Powder Magazine in Cocorite are reporting a dramatic resurgence of criminal activity and a corresponding decline in police patrols, creating an atmosphere of pervasive fear more than a year after a mass shooting devastated their community.

    The traumatic memory of the May 4, 2024 attack remains vivid, when gunmen in a dark-colored vehicle opened indiscriminate fire outside Building F, killing four residents—Shaquille Ottley, 22; Antonio Jack, 57; Sadiki Ottley, 31; and Jonathan Osmond, 36—and wounding eight others.

    During a recent visit by Newsday, explicit music blared through the concrete corridors as early as 9 AM, with groups of men congregating outside the same building where the shooting occurred. Multiple residents, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns, described deteriorating conditions including suspected illegal occupancy of a ground-floor apartment in Building F that they believe serves as a base for criminal operations.

    An elderly resident revealed she has abandoned reporting issues to police after numerous unanswered complaints. ‘I just give up now,’ she confessed, noting that fear prevents her from evening walks after dark. ‘I feel it’s only a matter of time before they shoot it up again.’

    A mother with young children described how security concerns dictate her family’s movements, restricting outdoor activities after 6 PM despite daylight hours. She and others acknowledged that while police presence was consistent immediately following the 2024 tragedy, providing a sense of security, these patrols have now virtually disappeared.

    The community’s appeal for intervention extends directly to Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander, with residents urging personal engagement and increased patrols. ‘The young people in here not lost. They just need better role models and real attention,’ one resident emphasized.

    Despite reaching out to multiple authorities—including Housing Minister David Lee, Senior Superintendent Sylvester Williams, and Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro—Newsday received minimal official response. Minister Lee pledged an ‘immediate investigation’ into illegal occupancy claims, while other officials provided no substantive comment on the reduced police presence or ongoing security strategies.

    Young men in the community expressed their own misgivings, acknowledging constant concern about violence while demonstrating deep distrust toward law enforcement. ‘Anybody could just run in and shoot up the place,’ one stated quietly, capturing the prevailing sentiment of vulnerability abandoned by those tasked with their protection.

  • US targets ‘dark fleet’ oil tanker near Venezuela

    US targets ‘dark fleet’ oil tanker near Venezuela

    Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have intensified dramatically following a second high-seas interception of an oil tanker by US forces near Venezuelan waters. The incident, occurring on December 20th, represents the latest escalation in Washington’s campaign against what it describes as Venezuela’s “illegal sanctions evasion” operations.

    According to multiple reports from international media outlets including Reuters, US Coast Guard vessels pursued and apprehended a sanctioned “dark fleet” oil tanker in international waters. The operation was confirmed by US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem via social media platform X, who characterized the action as part of ongoing efforts to combat “illicit movement of sanctioned oil that is used to fund narco-terrorism in the region.”

    The Venezuelan government responded with fierce condemnation through an official statement delivered by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez on Telegram. The administration of Nicolás Maduro denounced the seizure as “theft and hijacking” and accused US forces of the “forced disappearance” of the vessel’s crew. Venezuelan officials labeled the operation an act of piracy that violates multiple international conventions, including the 1988 Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation.

    This latest confrontation follows an earlier interception on December 10th, when US forces seized the large crude carrier Skipper in international waters off the Venezuelan coast. The operations coincide with President Donald Trump’s announcement on December 16th of a comprehensive blockade on all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. Trump declared that the US would not permit a “hostile regime” to retain control of what he characterized as US assets.

    The Venezuelan statement further asserted that the “colonialist model” attempted by the US government would be defeated by the Venezuelan people, emphasizing the country’s commitment to economic growth through its hydrocarbon industry. Venezuelan officials pledged to pursue complaints through the United Nations Security Council and other multilateral organizations.

    The US maintains that its military presence in the Southern Caribbean constitutes part of its broader counter-narcotics operations. Statistics indicate at least 104 fatalities resulting from 28 strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean since early September. The campaign has received support from Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has authorized US military access to the nation’s airports and installation of radar systems in Tobago.

  • Jeugdraad evalueert en gaat voor sterkere jeugdparticipatie in 2026

    Jeugdraad evalueert en gaat voor sterkere jeugdparticipatie in 2026

    Suriname’s National Youth Council concluded its 2025 operational year with a comprehensive evaluation meeting on December 20th, setting strategic directions for 2026 with enhanced youth participation in policy and governance as its cornerstone. The meeting, attended by key stakeholders including youth ambassadors and institutional leaders, served as both a retrospective analysis and forward-looking planning session.

    Operating under the National Youth Institute (NJI), the Youth Council presented a detailed overview of its annual achievements and challenges. NJI Director Dinesh Parag and Deputy Director Santoucha Redan joined SDG Ambassador Drusila Blinker and CARICOM Youth Ambassador Arantxa Swedo in delivering progress reports on ongoing initiatives and lessons learned throughout 2025.

    Youth Development and Sports Minister Lalinie Gopal expressed strong appreciation for the Council’s efforts, particularly emphasizing the strategic rationale behind combining Youth and Sports within a single ministry portfolio. Minister Gopal highlighted sports’ critical role in youth development, noting its contributions to building discipline, collaborative skills, and mental resilience among young Surinamese.

    The minister specifically commended youth involvement in community initiatives such as the Krin Kondre project and school backpack program, recognizing young people’s unique position to identify local needs through their district-level connections. Minister Gopal assured continued full ministerial support for the Youth Council throughout 2026.

    NJI Director Parag stressed the importance of systematic evaluation and multi-year planning frameworks, stating that clear situational analysis is essential for targeted policy development. He cited the World AIDS Day school program, implemented through multi-stakeholder partnerships, as a successful example of effective youth engagement.

    Youth Council Chairman Shemar Rier reflected positively on 2025 as a foundational year that established robust organizational structures. Looking ahead, the Council will prioritize expanding youth influence within policy processes and governance mechanisms, including targeted training and mentorship programs for youth aspiring to leadership positions.

    The annual meeting concluded with a unified commitment from all participating organizations to sustain collaborative efforts and continue investing in sustainable youth development throughout Suriname.