Carib Scope

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  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Antigua Cabinet Approves Immigration Amnesty to Address Labour Shortages

    Antigua Cabinet Approves Immigration Amnesty to Address Labour Shortages

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has enacted a significant immigration amnesty program targeting non-nationals residing within the country. This policy initiative, formally approved during Wednesday’s Cabinet session presided over by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, addresses dual objectives of economic stabilization and humanitarian relief.

    Prime Minister Browne justified the decision by referencing the nation’s current economic trajectory and robust employment landscape, indicating that labor shortages have emerged as a constraint on growth. The amnesty specifically targets individuals who have lapsed immigration status primarily due to financial difficulties rather than intentional violations of immigration laws.

    Maurice Merchant, Director of Communications, elaborated that the program serves dual purposes: alleviating workforce deficiencies in key economic sectors while providing a pathway to legal status for affected immigrants. Qualified participants will receive penalty-free status regularization, granting them full legal authorization to reside and seek employment while enhancing their economic contributions.

    Beyond individual benefits, the administration anticipates broader economic advantages through expanded labor availability during a period of heightened economic activity. Employers across various industries are expected to gain access to a larger pool of legitimate workers, potentially reducing operational constraints.

    The implementation framework, including eligibility criteria, application mechanisms, and temporal parameters of the amnesty period, will be formally presented at the next Cabinet meeting. Immigration Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin will jointly coordinate this presentation with officials from the Department of Immigration.

  • Stakende BLTO vraagt ontslag onderwijsminister en directieleden

    Stakende BLTO vraagt ontslag onderwijsminister en directieleden

    In a dramatic escalation of ongoing labor disputes within Suriname’s education sector, the Union of Technical Education Teachers (BLTO) has formally petitioned President Jennifer Simons for the immediate dismissal of Education Minister Dirk Currie and two senior administrators. The union’s demands come amid a nationwide strike that has paralyzed technical education institutions across the country.

    During a tense meeting at the presidential palace on January 23, BLTO representatives presented their petition directly to President Simons, outlining five critical grievances that have prompted their fifth industrial action this year. The primary concerns include persistent delays in salary payments and overtime compensation dating back to November 2025, non-compliance with court orders mandating payroll system reforms, and detrimental policies that have allegedly dismantled the formerly functional vocational education system.

    Union spokespersons expressed profound frustration, stating, ‘We have been forced to strike. This marks our fifth action – we cannot continue under these conditions.’ Beyond personnel changes, the BLTO demands immediate establishment of an emergency intervention team and guarantees that all outstanding payments will be settled by January 31. Additional concerns highlight deteriorating infrastructure, with reports of inadequate safety measures, poor hygiene standards, and insufficient facilities at vocational schools.

    President Simons, while accepting the petition personally, declined to commit to the dismissal requests but pledged immediate action on other fronts. ‘I will begin addressing urgent matters today, including safety and hygiene concerns at schools,’ Simons stated, emphasizing collaboration with both Education and Finance ministries to resolve payment delays. However, she explicitly noted her inability to promise salary increases.

    The union has maintained its strike position despite presidential appeals to resume classes ‘in the students’ best interests.’ BLTO members expressed skepticism about government promises, with one representative noting, ‘It’s difficult to trust these assurances. Every administration says the same things, yet the problems persist.’ The union plans to determine its next steps during an emergency general assembly scheduled for later today or this weekend.

  • Senator Colin O’Neal Browne Addresses Deliberate Misrepresentation of Remarks

    Senator Colin O’Neal Browne Addresses Deliberate Misrepresentation of Remarks

    Antiguan Senator Hon. Colin O’Neal Browne has issued a formal rebuttal against what he characterizes as a deliberate misrepresentation of his comments made at a recent vigil event. The senator clarified that his participation at the invitation of Venezuelan Ambassador Carmen Velasquez was solely to express appreciation for being included in an occasion marking solidarity and peace.

    Contrary to reports published by Antigua Newsroom on January 23, 2025, Senator Browne emphasized that he made no statements criticizing the removal of Venezuelan leadership nor commented on the internal political situation of the sovereign nation. The senator’s office described the published account as profoundly inaccurate and misleading.

    Senator Browne has demanded immediate retraction of the article along with a formal apology. His legal representatives have indicated that failure to comply promptly will result in pursuing legal redress through appropriate channels. The situation highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding diplomatic discourse and media accuracy in political reporting within the Caribbean region.