Carib Scope

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  • Naparima complete SSFL triple crown with Intercol title

    Naparima complete SSFL triple crown with Intercol title

    Naparima College achieved a remarkable clean sweep of all 2025 Secondary Schools Football League honors by securing the prestigious Coca-Cola National Intercol title with a narrow 1-0 victory over Signal Hill Secondary at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on December 10.

    The decisive moment arrived in the 22nd minute when Signal Hill goalkeeper Kaleb Romeo committed a critical handling error, allowing a routine cross from Jabari Rodriguez to slip through his gloves and ricochet into his own net. This unfortunate blunder proved sufficient for Southern champions Naparima to claim the season’s ultimate prize, adding to their previously secured league title and South Zone Intercol championship.

    Despite dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match, Naparima faced tense final moments as Signal Hill’s substitute attackers J’Meke Watkins and Damario Henry intensified their pursuit of an equalizer. However, Naparima’s defensive unit—featuring Jeremiah Daniel, Elijah Edwards, and Antonio Hills—remained impenetrable, preserving their slender advantage until the final whistle.

    Midfielder Jacob O’Reilly earned Man of the Match honors for his exceptional distribution and consistent midfield control, orchestrating Naparima’s attacking movements throughout the ninety minutes. Though numerous chances were squandered—including several from forward Riquelme Phillips—Naparima’s overall superiority justified their historic achievement.

    The victory marked a second disappointing outcome for Tobago’s Signal Hill against Naparima this season, having previously fallen 2-1 in November’s league encounter. Following the match, Naparima head coach Angus Eve expressed immense pride in his squad’s dedication and performance, noting, ‘The players demonstrated tremendous consistency and executed our game plan perfectly tonight.’

    As the final whistle sounded, Naparima’s hundreds of traveling supporters erupted in celebration while players momentarily clashed on the field before joining their school band in triumphant festivities. Goalkeeper Mikhail Clement proudly waved the college flag atop the goal frame, symbolizing the completion of an extraordinary triple crown campaign.

  • Pleasantville edge Five Rivers on penalties for girls crown

    Pleasantville edge Five Rivers on penalties for girls crown

    In a breathtaking finale at Couva’s Ato Boldon Stadium on December 10, Pleasantville Secondary emerged victorious in the 2025 Secondary Schools Football League Coca-Cola Girls Intercol championship after defeating Five Rivers 5-3 in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 deadlock in regulation time.

    The match began with Five Rivers establishing early dominance, creating multiple scoring opportunities within the opening minutes. Striker Akira Charles tested Pleasantville’s goalkeeper Akeila Marryshow with a well-placed shot, only to be denied by a spectacular diving save. Minutes later, captain Shaquilla Daniel missed a critical chance after evading Marryshow, shooting wide of an open net.

    Pleasantville capitalized on these missed opportunities when captain Natalia Gosine executed a brilliantly taken free kick that deflected off a defender, wrong-footing Five Rivers goalkeeper Akilah George for the opening goal. The lead proved short-lived as Jadya Herbert’s persistent attacks down the left flank created an equalizer for Hackeemar Goodridge, who finished clinically from close range.

    Five Rivers regained the advantage early in the second half when Goodridge struck again, converting another precise finish after finding space in the penalty area. The match seemed destined for Five Rivers’ victory until Zara Chase produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 67th minute, unleashing a spectacular long-range effort that curled into the top right corner.

    The dramatic conclusion saw Goodridge stretchered off with an injury just before regulation time expired, setting the stage for the penalty shootout. Herbert’s crucial miss from the spot proved decisive, while Pleasantville converted all five attempts with clinical precision. Captain Gosine sealed the victory with the final penalty, triggering wild celebrations among Pleasantville players and fans alike.

    Under the guidance of head coach Brian London, the new champions celebrated their hard-fought victory in the center circle, capturing the coveted title in one of the most memorable finals in recent SSFL history.

  • Bar associations say government tax hike a losing bet

    Bar associations say government tax hike a losing bet

    Trinidad and Tobago’s hospitality industry is mounting a significant challenge against the government’s unprecedented 400% tax increase on gaming machines, setting the stage for a crucial meeting between industry representatives and Finance Minister Dave Tancoo on December 11.\n\nThe TT Coalition of Bars and Restaurants (TTCOBAR) and the Barkeepers Owners/Operators Association of TT (BOATT) characterize the tax hike as \”drastic and illogical,\\” warning it will devastate legal operators while driving gambling activities underground. Both organizations maintain that enhanced enforcement of existing tax rates—not increased taxation—represents the solution to revenue collection challenges.\n\nBOATT representative Satesh Moonessar expressed surprise at receiving the minister’s invitation, coming just days after Parliament passed sweeping gambling legislation that instituted fines up to $3 million for illegal operations. The government contends these measures address tax evasion, money laundering, and other criminal activities associated with unregulated gambling.\n\nMoonessar vigorously challenged the government’s rationale, arguing that compliance issues stem from chronic enforcement failures rather than tax rates. \”If someone was not paying the tax at $6,000, how in God’s name are they going to become compliant now when you’ve raised it by 400 percent?\” he questioned, noting that selective enforcement practices have undermined compliance efforts.\n\nThe industry representative projected that 50-75% of bars cannot afford the increased tax burden, potentially forcing widespread closures. He warned of cascading economic consequences, including job losses and impacts on related businesses such as food vendors and suppliers.\n\nTTCOBAR advocates for a modified approach that includes quarterly tax payments instead of full upfront payments and a reduced rate increase. The association estimates that a 50% reduction from the proposed hike could generate approximately $200 million annually through improved compliance.\n\nIndustry representatives emphasize that gaming revenue provides essential financial support for bars operating on thin profit margins. They contest government estimates of machine profitability, asserting that typical monthly earnings per machine are approximately $2,000—far below the official $10,000 projection.\n\nIn response, Minister Tancoo acknowledged significant tax evasion and fraud within the industry, noting that many amusement machines operated unregistered for years while generating unreported revenue. Despite his firm stance on ending these practices, he expressed openness to dialogue.\n\nThe dispute escalated on December 9 when approximately 30 bar operators gathered peacefully at Woodford Square near Parliament, accusing the government of victimization through consecutive measures targeting their industry, including increased alcohol taxes, commercial electricity rates, and landlord taxes.

  • RHA employees to benefit from PSA wage hike

    RHA employees to benefit from PSA wage hike

    In a significant development for Trinidad and Tobago’s healthcare sector, the Public Services Association (PSA) has confirmed that all Regional Health Authority (RHA) employees will receive substantial financial benefits from the recently negotiated compensation package. The breakthrough agreement, finalized on December 2, guarantees a ten percent salary enhancement for healthcare workers across the nation’s regional health authorities.

    The PSA, recognized as the majority union for health ministry employees and RHA staff, clarified in its December 10 media release that the comprehensive compensation package encompasses three distinct employee groups: ministry workers stationed at RHAs, public service employees who transitioned to RHAs, and personnel directly hired by the regional authorities. This inclusive approach ensures salary parity throughout the healthcare workforce.

    Union president Felisha Thomas emphasized that once the memorandum of agreement (MoA) is formally executed for ministry officers and transferred staff, remaining RHA employees will automatically receive comparable adjustments. The PSA is now preparing to engage with RHA leadership to finalize similar agreements specifically addressing salary increases, allowances, and back pay for transferred workers.

    The association has proactively contacted all RHA chief executive officers, urging payment advances from the estimated $3.8 billion in retroactive payments before December 23. The landmark agreement covers bargaining periods from 2014-2016 and 2017-2019, featuring new salary implementations commencing January 2026 alongside retroactive allowances dating back to January 1, 2014.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar previously noted that the effective compensation increase reaches approximately 15 percent when incorporating the consolidated Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for both periods. The settlement represents approximately $420 million in additional annual expenditures alongside the substantial $3.8 billion retroactive payment obligation.

  • Last day for public voting in Dominica Music Awards

    Last day for public voting in Dominica Music Awards

    The Dominica Music Awards (DMA) 2025 competition reaches a critical milestone today as public voting concludes at midnight. This annual celebration of musical excellence has garnered unprecedented engagement, with over 200 artists competing across multiple genres, highlighting the vibrant diversity and international appeal of Dominica’s music scene.

    Organizers from Creole Heartbeat emphasize that public voting constitutes a substantial 60% of the final scoring mechanism, making citizen participation instrumental in determining the winners. “Public involvement remains fundamental to the DMA’s philosophy,” stated the organizing committee. “It guarantees that popular sentiment directly shapes the outcomes while allowing artists to experience nationwide support.”

    Following the public voting phase, entries will advance to the Judges’ Review Stage, which contributes the remaining 40% of the evaluation. A distinguished panel of music industry experts will assess nominees based on artistic creativity, production quality, cultural impact, and overall contribution to Dominica’s musical heritage.

    The DMA positions itself as more than an awards ceremony—it represents a cultural movement that honors musicians as storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and economic contributors. The grand finale, scheduled for January 3, 2026, promises an evening of prestige and national pride, featuring live performances and award presentations.

    Tickets for the main event are available through official channels, offering both VIP attendance packages and digital access for international viewers via Pay-Per-View options. The organizers encourage continued support through voting, ticket purchases, and social media engagement to maximize the event’s impact on Dominica’s creative economy.

  • SKN recommits to providing a better space for the Differently-Abled at the OAS

    SKN recommits to providing a better space for the Differently-Abled at the OAS

    WASHINGTON, DC – In a significant demonstration of its dedication to disability rights, St. Kitts and Nevis has formally reaffirmed its commitment to creating inclusive societies during a recent address to the Organization of American States (OAS) Permanent Council. The Federation’s representatives outlined comprehensive domestic initiatives aligned with international disability conventions.

    Third Secretary and Alternate Representative Adelcia Connor-Ferlance articulated the nation’s position that democratic societies reach their fullest potential when all citizens can participate equally in civic, economic, and social spheres. This philosophy particularly extends to vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities, whose complete inclusion represents both a democratic necessity and a development priority.

    The Federation’s accession to the Inter-American Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities signifies its sustained commitment to promoting equality, protecting human dignity, and eliminating institutional barriers. These efforts are further guided by principles established in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

    Substantive progress is underway domestically, with the government currently modernizing its disabilities policy and finalizing comprehensive disabilities legislation. These legislative advancements will firmly embed disability rights within the national governance framework.

    Collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Ageing, and Disabilities and the St. Kitts & Nevis Association of Persons with Disabilities have generated increased public awareness through sensitization workshops, stakeholder consultations, and community outreach programs. The government has implemented practical measures including sign language training for frontline workers and civil servants to enhance communication accessibility.

    Economic inclusion initiatives have also been launched within the agricultural sector, designed to develop economic skills and promote self-reliance among persons with disabilities. These programs complement existing handicraft initiatives, creating multiple pathways for social inclusion, entrepreneurship, and independent livelihoods.

  • STATEMENT: UN SG on Human Rights Day ‘Human rights- our everyday essentials’

    STATEMENT: UN SG on Human Rights Day ‘Human rights- our everyday essentials’

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning about the deteriorating state of global human rights protection, marking a critical moment in international governance. Speaking on the foundation established nearly eight decades ago by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Guterres emphasized that these fundamental rights—spanning civil, political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions—remain “inalienable, indivisible and interdependent.” However, he noted with grave concern that recent years have witnessed a dangerous contraction of civic space worldwide.

    The Secretary-General highlighted what he described as “flagrant disregard for rights” and “callous indifference to human suffering” occurring across multiple regions. These violations represent a direct challenge to the international framework that has governed human dignity protections since the post-World War II era.

    Guterres outlined the United Nations’ multifaceted role in safeguarding these rights through practical interventions including food distribution, shelter provision, educational support, electoral assistance, environmental protection, mine clearance, women’s empowerment, and peacebuilding initiatives. These efforts, he stressed, represent the operationalization of the Declaration’s principles into tangible reality for vulnerable populations.

    However, the UN leader emphasized that institutional efforts alone remain insufficient. He called for a global mobilization of civil society, governments, and individual citizens to defend the vulnerable and support the institutions that protect universal rights. Guterres particularly warned against the subordination of human rights to profit motives or political power, framing the current moment as a critical juncture for international solidarity.

    The address serves as both a condemnation of current violations and a strategic call to action, urging unified efforts to preserve human dignity and freedom worldwide through strengthened institutional protections and renewed public commitment.

  • PHOTOS: Road Upgrades Advance in Lower Ottos as Work to Elevate St. John’s Rural South Continues

    PHOTOS: Road Upgrades Advance in Lower Ottos as Work to Elevate St. John’s Rural South Continues

    Residents of Lower Ottos witnessed a substantial enhancement to their local infrastructure as municipal crews executed significant road improvements throughout the area on Tuesday night. The extensive work represents a crucial phase in the broader initiative to upgrade transportation networks across St. John’s Rural South constituency.

    The nocturnal construction schedule was strategically implemented to minimize disruption to daily commutes and local business operations. The improvements focused on comprehensive road resurfacing, pothole eradication, and reinforcement of road shoulders, addressing long-standing concerns raised by community members about vehicular safety and transportation efficiency.

    This infrastructure development forms part of a continuing municipal commitment to delivering tangible quality-of-life enhancements for residents. The project demonstrates a proactive approach to urban planning that prioritizes both immediate practical needs and long-term community development goals. Local authorities have indicated that similar infrastructure initiatives are scheduled for neighboring communities in the coming fiscal quarter, signaling a sustained investment in rural infrastructure modernization.

    Community response to the improvements has been markedly positive, with residents expressing appreciation for the reduced vehicle maintenance costs and improved driving conditions. The timely execution of these roadworks during off-peak hours has been particularly praised as a considerate approach to public works management.

  • Jamaica re-elected to IMO Council

    Jamaica re-elected to IMO Council

    In a landmark achievement for Caribbean maritime leadership, Jamaica has been decisively re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council with an unprecedented 129 votes—the highest tally the nation has ever received in the organization’s electoral history. This decisive victory occurred during the 34th session of the IMO Assembly at the organization’s London headquarters in November 2025.

    The resounding endorsement reflects Jamaica’s growing influence in global maritime affairs. Bertrand Smith, Director General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, characterized the re-election as recognition of Jamaica’s dedicated advocacy not only for national interests but for the entire Caribbean region and other member states. Speaking from London following the newly constituted Council’s meeting, Smith emphasized that the upcoming biennium presents both significant challenges and opportunities, particularly regarding the complex transition toward maritime decarbonization.

    This electoral success marks Jamaica’s ninth consecutive term in Category C of the IMO Council, the governing body that oversees organizational operations between biennial Assembly sessions. The Council wields substantial authority, including approval of committee work, budget proposals, recommendations for Secretary General appointments, and development of strategic policy frameworks including the IMO’s strategic plan.

    Jamaica’s sophisticated electoral campaign was orchestrated by a specialized Steering Committee comprising multiple government entities: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Jamaican High Commission in London, the Maritime Authority of Jamaica, and the Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications.

    The IMO Council’s composition ensures global representation through three distinct categories: Category A includes ten nations with the largest international shipping services; Category B comprises ten states with the most significant interest in seaborne trade; and Category C consists of twenty countries representing diverse geographic regions with special maritime transport interests.

    The newly elected Council convened its 136th session on December 4th in London, where leadership positions for the next two-year period were determined through internal elections.

  • Dominica confirmed as beneficiary for new world-class athletic facility

    Dominica confirmed as beneficiary for new world-class athletic facility

    In a landmark development for Caribbean sports infrastructure, the Commonwealth of Dominica has achieved official selection as a beneficiary nation under World Athletics’ prestigious Project 10 initiative. This designation culminates a rigorous two-year application process and paves the way for constructing a cutting-edge synthetic track and field facility in Portsmouth.

    The Dominica Athletics Association (DAA), which spearheaded the technical proposal submitted in December 2023, confirmed the achievement following extensive consultations and evaluations by international sporting authorities. The project aligns strategically with the Dominican government’s existing master plan for a modern national sports complex, which additionally envisions an Olympic-standard swimming pool.

    Critical to this success was the collaborative effort between sporting bodies and government leadership. The DAA formally acknowledged Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Sports Minister Oscar George, and key figures including Reggie Severin and Billy Doctrove for their unwavering institutional support. Numerous technical teams and government departments were also recognized for ensuring Dominica met World Athletics’ exacting standards.

    This world-class infrastructure promises to revolutionize athletic development on the island, providing elite training conditions and positioning Dominica as a potential host for regional and international competitions. The facility is expected to inspire new generations of athletes by providing access to professional-grade training environments.

    The DAA emphasized its commitment to ongoing partnerships with the Government of Dominica, World Athletics, and the Qatar Olympic Committee to bring this transformative project to fruition, heralding a new chapter for track and field in the Eastern Caribbean.