Carib Scope

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  • LIVE ON DNO: December 16th,17th and 18th from 6PM Teaching on advent with Bishop Kendricks Forbes

    LIVE ON DNO: December 16th,17th and 18th from 6PM Teaching on advent with Bishop Kendricks Forbes

    The spiritual community of Roseau is preparing for a significant pre-Christmas observance as Bishop Kendricks Forbes announces a special three-night teaching and prayer series focused on the Advent season. Scheduled for December 16th, 17th, and 18th, 2025, these evening sessions will commence at 6:30 p.m. each night within the historic Roseau Cathedral.

    Advent, representing the four-week period leading to Christmas, serves as a time of spiritual preparation and anticipation for Christian congregations worldwide. Bishop Forbes’ teachings will delve into the theological significance of this liturgical season, exploring themes of hope, reflection, and preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth.

    The extended format across three consecutive evenings offers parishioners and visitors an uncommon opportunity for deep engagement with Advent’s spiritual dimensions through collective prayer and doctrinal instruction. Such multi-day ecclesiastical events are particularly valued within religious communities as they provide sustained periods of worship and learning outside regular Sunday services.

    The selection of Roseau Cathedral as the venue carries its own significance, as cathedral churches traditionally serve as the central church of a diocese where the bishop’s official seat is located. This architectural and spiritual landmark will provide the appropriate setting for what many anticipate will be a spiritually enriching experience guided by Bishop Forbes’ leadership.

    Community response indicates strong interest in the event, with many local faithful marking their calendars for what has become a highlight of the Christmas liturgical calendar. The teaching series represents part of the broader seasonal programming that churches typically organize during December to help congregations spiritually prepare for Christmas beyond the commercial aspects of the holiday season.

  • Machado urges pressure so Maduro understands ‘he has to go’

    Machado urges pressure so Maduro understands ‘he has to go’

    Venezuelan opposition leader and newly crowned Nobel Peace Prize recipient Maria Corina Machado has issued a forceful appeal for intensified international pressure against the administration of President Nicolas Maduro. In a preview of her upcoming interview with CBS News’ ‘Face the Nation,’ Machado emphasized the necessity of compelling Maduro to relinquish power, asserting that his time has conclusively ended.

    The political figure, who recently executed a daring escape from Venezuela under circumstances resembling an espionage thriller, addressed questions regarding potential U.S. military involvement. While acknowledging no specific knowledge of American plans, Machado clarified that Maduro’s removal would not constitute conventional regime change. ‘We conducted an election where over 70 percent of the population mandated political transition,’ she explained. ‘Our requirement is support to implement that democratic decision.’

    Machado’s reference concerns the 2023 presidential election where Maduro secured a controversial third term amid widespread opposition claims of electoral manipulation. The government subsequently prohibited Machado from political participation, forcing her into hiding before her extraordinary extraction from Caracas.

    Codenamed ‘Golden Dynamite’ in homage to Alfred Nobel, the operation involved Machado disguising herself with a wig and navigating through ten military checkpoints undetected. Her journey from a northern Venezuelan beach involved a deliberately dilapidated fishing vessel that subsequently malfunctioned, causing significant delays. According to multiple media investigations, treacherous maritime conditions further complicated the escape, resulting in GPS equipment loss and two hours of directional uncertainty that created genuine mortal peril.

    Despite these harrowing circumstances, Machado successfully rendezvoused with U.S. Army veteran Bryan Stern on open waters before ultimately reaching Oslo via private jet from Curaçao. The opposition leader declined to elaborate on escape specifics during her interview but emphasized the Nobel Prize’s symbolic importance as recognition of Venezuela’s courageous resistance against what she termed ‘a criminal, narcoterrorist structure.’

    Machado concluded with a commitment to return the honor to the Venezuelan people promptly. The Trump administration’s continued pressure campaign against Maduro has included substantial naval deployments and airstrikes against alleged drug-trafficking operations, resulting in nearly 90 fatalities. The complete interview will air Sunday on CBS.

  • Ocho Rios advance to Ben Francis Cup quarter-finals

    Ocho Rios advance to Ben Francis Cup quarter-finals

    DRAX HALL, St Ann — In a tightly contested Friday match, Ocho Rios High School clinched a decisive 1-0 victory against Old Harbour High, securing their position as the second qualifier for the ISSA Ben Francis Cup quarter-finals. The critical goal was delivered by Kaneil Brown during the latter stages of the game, ensuring his team’s advancement to the next round scheduled for Tuesday, December 16.

    This achievement places Ocho Rios High alongside Manchester High, which dominated William Knibb Memorial with an overwhelming 5-0 triumph the previous day. Additionally, Mannings School and Garvey Maceo High have automatically progressed to the quarter-finals due to the withdrawal of their scheduled opponents, Maggotty High and Maldon High, respectively.

    The remaining four slots in the tournament will be determined following Saturday’s concluding matches in the daCosta Cup competition. Teams that do not advance to the daCosta Cup semi-finals—two from each group—will earn entry into the Ben Francis Cup bracket.

    Notably, McGrath High, who claimed the Ben Francis Cup title two years prior, is anticipated to join the contenders after experiencing defeats in their initial two quarter-final games against Cornwall College and Glenmuir High in Group B.

  • Herbert Morrison win six straight in ISSA Under-16 basketball

    Herbert Morrison win six straight in ISSA Under-16 basketball

    In a commanding display of athletic prowess, Herbert Morrison Technical High School extended its winning streak in the ISSA Rural Area Under-16 Zone B basketball competition. The team secured its sixth consecutive victory with a resounding 89-25 triumph over York Castle High in a return round match held at Buckfield Oval in St Ann on Thursday.

    The junior squad’s victory was spearheaded by a formidable offensive duo. Michael Johnson delivered an impressive 22-point performance, closely supported by Rafael Stephenson who contributed 20 points to their team’s total. Despite an initial challenge from their opponents, Herbert Morrison quickly established dominance and maintained control throughout the game. For York Castle, Marcodean Frater emerged as the leading scorer with 14 points.

    In parallel Under-19 division action, Herbert Morrison maintained their undefeated record with a decisive 65-10 victory against Ocho Rios High. However, York Castle demonstrated resilience by securing a win against Ocho Rios in the same age category, while also prevailing over Holland High with a convincing 73-37 scoreline.

    The basketball action continued with Ryan Jurdine leading Herbert Morrison’s Under-16 team to a remarkable shutout performance against Ocho Rios during the second half of their encounter. The team established an overwhelming 21-1 advantage in the opening quarter and expanded their lead to 33-10 by halftime before completely dominating the final two quarters with a 32-0 scoring run.

    In regional derby action, Ocho Rios claimed a 53-38 victory against York Castle in the St Ann matchup. Christian Andorn delivered a game-high 17 points for York Castle, while Matthew Smith led Ocho Rios with 16 points.

    Meanwhile, in Zone A Under-16 competition, Knox College secured a 30-23 victory against Old Harbour High with Javante Currie contributing 12 points to the winning effort.

  • Market Bag: Lower prices at ‘Curry’ offer Jamaicans slight reprieve

    Market Bag: Lower prices at ‘Curry’ offer Jamaicans slight reprieve

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – A wave of economic relief has swept through Kingston’s Coronation Market this week as consumers witness a notable downturn in previously soaring food prices. The market, a vital hub for the city’s shoppers, is experiencing its first significant price reduction following weeks of steep inflationary pressures on agricultural products.

    The most dramatic reversal appears in the scotch bonnet pepper market, where prices have plummeted from a record high of $5,000 per pound to a more manageable $4,000. This development comes as welcome news to both household consumers and local food vendors who rely heavily on the iconic Jamaican pepper.

    Tomato prices have similarly trended downward, now available at approximately $700 per pound compared to last week’s $800 price point. Cabbage has also joined the deflationary trend, dropping from $350 to $300 per pound, providing marginal but meaningful savings for budget-conscious shoppers.

    Market stability remains evident in other produce categories, with escallion, yam, and sweet potato maintaining consistent pricing despite the overall market fluctuations. This mixed pricing landscape suggests a complex interplay of supply chain factors affecting different agricultural products uniquely.

    The improved market conditions coincide with the latest episode of ‘Market Bag,’ a popular market analysis program hosted by Brittania Witter featuring special guest Carlysia Ramdeen. The show typically provides expert insights into market trends and consumer guidance during periods of economic volatility.

  • Diaspora leaders unite: WHISTLE launches as first global leadership platform

    Diaspora leaders unite: WHISTLE launches as first global leadership platform

    FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida—A transformative leadership platform named WHISTLE made its debut on December 9 in South Florida, assembling over sixty distinguished Caribbean diaspora leaders. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to forge stronger connections among Caribbean-rooted professionals, focusing on collective purpose, economic empowerment, and sustainable regional impact.

    The launch occurs amid ongoing challenges faced by Jamaica and neighboring islands, including climate change vulnerabilities and economic instability. These pressing issues highlight the critical need for coordinated diaspora engagement and strategic regional cooperation.

    Co-founded by Trinidadian-born visionaries Denise Williams and Stacey Luces, WHISTLE establishes structured frameworks for leadership development, collaborative influence, and purposeful action across the Caribbean diaspora network.

    Dr. Keith Levy, Chairman of JN Bank and Managing Partner at Visionario Venture Capital, emphasized the importance of trust in economic rebuilding: “Capital moves at the speed of trust. We must cultivate mutual confidence and act courageously to advance shared Caribbean priorities.”

    Philip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism for the Americas, highlighted tourism’s vital role in regional recovery, noting that visiting Caribbean nations remains one of the most significant contributions to communities rebuilding after natural disasters.

    The launch event incorporated philanthropic efforts through the Breaking Healthcare Barriers initiative, collecting donations to provide accessible healthcare for Jamaican communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. This charitable component operates under WHISTLE’s humanitarian arm, “We WHISTLE With Love.”

    Stacey Luces, WHISTLE’s Chief Purpose Officer, stated: “Our leaders arrived not merely to network, but to construct meaningful change. WHISTLE emerges from our collective refusal to progress in isolation.” Luces brings decades of experience in public systems, executive leadership, and philanthropy across Caribbean and American contexts.

    WHISTLE’s founders announced plans to activate membership models, expand leadership programs, and strengthen partnerships ahead of its global launch in January 2026. The organization will also introduce WHISTLE Next Gen, dedicated to nurturing emerging Caribbean-descended leaders through mentorship and networking opportunities.

    Denise Williams, WHISTLE’s Chief Impact Officer, remarked: “Our community deserves a platform that harmonizes influence, generates prosperity, and accelerates collective impact.” Williams brings extensive expertise in growth strategy from major corporations across banking, telecommunications, and finance sectors throughout the Caribbean diaspora.

  • Two cops granted bail of $200,000 in relation to 2023 assault incident

    Two cops granted bail of $200,000 in relation to 2023 assault incident

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Two law enforcement officers from Jamaica’s police force have been formally charged with assault following a violent incident involving a handcuffed civilian at the Highgate Police Station in St. Mary. The accused, identified as Corporal Brown and Constable Murphy, face charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

    The case emerged from an extensive investigation conducted by the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom), which culminated in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) recommending criminal charges. Despite the officers’ denial of any misconduct during questioning, both medical documentation and an eyewitness account substantiated the victim’s allegations of being struck in the face while restrained.

    Following the altercation on September 1, 2023, the complainant received medical treatment and was later released on bail. During a recent court proceeding, both officers were granted bail set at $200,000 each as their case progresses through the judicial system.

    This incident occurs amid increased scrutiny of police conduct in Jamaica. Indecom reports that since January 2024, a total of 54 law enforcement personnel have been charged with various offenses following commission investigations. The breakdown includes 28 officers charged in 2024 and an additional 26 facing charges in 2025.

    Notably, Corporal Brown has encountered previous legal troubles, having been charged on September 17, 2025, for wounding with intent in a separate case earlier this year.

  • One killed, two injured in Grande shooting

    One killed, two injured in Grande shooting

    A violent shooting incident in Sangre Grande has resulted in one fatality and left two victims with critical injuries, marking another episode of escalating urban violence in Trinidad and Tobago. The tragedy unfolded on December 12 around 3 pm near Sand Road in the Sangre Chiquito area, where three individuals became targets of a brazen armed assault.

    Preliminary investigative reports indicate the victims were seated inside a stationary white vehicle when another car abruptly approached their location. Without warning, occupants of the second vehicle unleashed a barrage of gunfire, systematically riddling the target car’s front windshield with bullet holes in what appears to be a targeted attack.

    Graphic footage rapidly circulated across social media platforms in the aftermath, capturing the horrific scene. The viral video depicted one male victim bleeding profusely while collapsed across the back seat, with the driver similarly unresponsive in the front compartment. The visual evidence provided stark testimony to the brutality of the assault.

    Law enforcement agencies have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. While no motive has been officially confirmed, the precision of the attack suggests possible gang-related or retaliatory violence. Police are examining forensic evidence from the crime scene and reviewing digital recordings to identify potential suspects.

    This incident adds to growing concerns about public safety and gun violence in the region, prompting calls for enhanced security measures and community intervention programs to address the root causes of such criminal activities.

  • FFOS tells PM: Deal with illegal trawlers

    FFOS tells PM: Deal with illegal trawlers

    Environmental advocacy organization Fishermen and Friends of the Sea (FFOS) has issued an urgent appeal to Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, demanding immediate action against destructive illegal trawling operations along the nation’s North Coast.

    In a December 12 media release, FFOS corporate secretary Gary Aboud highlighted the ongoing environmental devastation caused by unauthorized shrimp trawlers that continue to operate despite clear regulations. The organization described the situation as ‘ecological violence and genocide,’ citing the systematic destruction of marine ecosystems through practices comparable to dynamite fishing in terms of sustainability impact.

    According to FFOS research, these trawlers utilize massive tickler chains that scrape and devastate the seabed, resulting in catastrophic by-catch ratios where approximately 14.7 pounds of marine life are destroyed for every single pound of shrimp harvested. This indiscriminate destruction disproportionately affects juvenile species and severely impacts local fishing communities whose fish pots and nets are regularly damaged by the illegal operations.

    Current regulations explicitly restrict shrimp trawling to specific parameters: only permitted west of Saut d’Eau Island from November 15 to January 15, operating solely between 6 am and 6 pm, and maintaining a minimum distance of two nautical miles offshore. However, FFOS reports consistent violations occurring with apparent impunity under the surveillance of authorized enforcement agencies.

    The organization criticized the Coast Guard’s response methodology, noting that when reports of illegal trawling were recently made, officials initially failed to collect essential details and subsequently stated they needed to ‘catch them in the act.’ FFOS characterized this as an ineffective cat-and-mouse game where trawlers simply lift their nets when enforcement vessels approach or claim to be operating beyond the two-mile limit.

    FFOS revealed that this issue has persisted since at least 2014 when the former UNC government committed to addressing the problem and conducted feasibility studies. The organization now questions why taxpayers continue funding repeated studies while environmental destruction continues unabated.

    The advocacy group specifically called for enhanced enforcement capabilities including properly equipped Coast Guard vessels, fast interceptors, and potential utilization of US military-grade radar technology. Additionally, FFOS demanded parliamentary action on the long-pending Fisheries Bill to establish comprehensive legal frameworks preventing what they term ‘state-sanctioned lawlessness at sea.’

  • Victoria Deonarine’s record dive moves freediving into national spotlight

    Victoria Deonarine’s record dive moves freediving into national spotlight

    The sport of freediving in Trinidad and Tobago stands poised for transformative development following a pivotal meeting between national record-holder Victoria Deonarine and Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts. The December 9 discussion at the ministry’s offices marked a potential turning point for the previously niche activity, now positioned for recognition as an official national discipline.

    The 18-year-old Williamsville student, accompanied by coaches Saif Mohammed and Danielle Bachew, detailed her recent athletic breakthrough at the Blue Element competition in Dominica. On November 21, Deonarine shattered her own national record by achieving a remarkable 45-meter dive, capturing ministerial attention and sparking institutional interest.

    Minister Watts, having monitored Deonarine’s performance during the international event, initiated the post-competition meeting where he committed substantive support for her international competitive aspirations. This institutional endorsement represents a significant advancement for both the young athlete’s career and the sport’s development within the Caribbean nation.

    Deonarine described the challenges previously facing freediving enthusiasts, including inadequate funding structures, underdeveloped club infrastructure, and limited training facilities. Her earlier application for Elite Athlete Assistance failed to materialize, forcing reliance on community donations from friends, family, and strangers to finance her Dominica participation.

    Training limitations further complicated her preparation. Requests to utilize the National Aquatics Centre proved unsuccessful, while corporate facilities required club affiliations impossible for unrecognized sports. Deonarine consequently conducts most depth training in northwestern peninsula waters capable of accommodating 40-plus meter dives, with alternative sites in Las Cuevas and Speyside, Tobago proving logistically impractical for regular training.

    The ministerial recognition effectively addresses these systemic barriers. Deonarine emphasized how this support “could make it a lot easier for me to compete in future competitions” while acknowledging Watts’ recognition of her “potential to be on that same level as international competitors.”

    Beyond personal athletic ambitions, Deonarine envisions broader developmental impacts. “This meeting basically takes one step to make the sport into a club or a community,” she noted, expressing particular enthusiasm about “the growth that the sport’s getting” through institutional validation.

    The St Stephen’s College student maintains ambitious objectives extending beyond national records to international competition and inspirational representation. “When people see TT athletes in these competitions,” she affirmed, “it means a lot for TT.” With ministerial support now secured, Trinidad and Tobago’s freediving community anticipates accelerated development and competitive emergence on the global stage.