Carib Scope

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  • TV director Danielle Dieffenthaller has died

    TV director Danielle Dieffenthaller has died

    The entertainment industry mourns the loss of acclaimed TV director Danielle Dieffenthaller, who passed away recently. Her brother, celebrated soca artiste Kees Dieffenthaller, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram on November 22, expressing his grief with the words, “We love you, Danny. Rest in eternal peace our beloved sister.”

    Danielle had been battling severe health issues for several years. Diagnosed with stage-five renal failure in 2018, she underwent heart surgery in 2023. Despite hopes of a kidney transplant in February 2024, which required raising approximately CAN$18,000 (TT$93,600), she remained on dialysis since 2019.

    Her passing has left a profound impact on the Caribbean entertainment community. Fellow soca artiste Machel Montano praised her as a “brilliant pioneer” and one of Trinidad and Tobago’s greatest talents. Soca singer-songwriter Nadia Batson also shared her condolences, recalling fond memories of working with Danielle. Ravi B and Lady Lava joined thousands in expressing their sympathies to the Dieffenthaller family.

    Danielle was celebrated for her contributions to iconic local productions such as *Westwood Park*, *Caribbean’s Next Top Model*, *Hit for Six*, and *Iere Vibe*. Her legacy as a trailblazer in Caribbean television will continue to inspire future generations.

  • Cops move to crush illegal quarries

    Cops move to crush illegal quarries

    The Multi-Agency Task Force (MATF) in Trinidad and Tobago is ramping up efforts to dismantle illegal quarry operations, targeting unlicensed operators who exploit the nation’s resources. Superintendent Leon Haynes, head of the MATF, revealed in a recent interview that only nine companies currently hold full mining or aggregate processing licenses, while 13 others operate under temporary “holdover” permits issued by the energy minister. Despite these regulations, numerous unlicensed operators continue to extract materials, often in remote areas, evading detection. Haynes emphasized that illegal quarrying is a top priority for the MATF, with enforcement actions including arrests, fines, and imprisonment. The issue gained national attention earlier this month when the Trinidad and Tobago Aggregate Producers Association (TTAPA) protested outside National Quarries Ltd (NQL), accusing the state-owned company of operating without a valid license. TTAPA President Nigel Tenia claimed that none of the association’s 24 members has ever received a processing license for sand and gravel, alleging a systemic failure in the licensing process. Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal countered these claims, stating that numerous processing licenses have been issued in recent years. However, Haynes expressed skepticism, noting that many applicants fail to meet regulatory requirements within the stipulated three-month period. The MATF’s crackdown has already resulted in 47 arrests between 2020 and 2025, with offenders charged for illegal mining and processing activities. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro warned that illegal quarrying fuels organized crime and undermines national security. Transparency gaps in the Ministry of Energy’s oversight have further complicated the issue, with outdated public records and a lack of clarity on legally compliant operators. The TT Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative’s 2024 report highlighted significant unpaid royalties and environmental damage caused by illegal quarrying, underscoring the urgent need for improved monitoring and enforcement.

  • Caribbean legislators in New York rally community for Jamaica relief

    Caribbean legislators in New York rally community for Jamaica relief

    In a remarkable demonstration of solidarity and Caribbean pride, Caribbean legislators in New York have mobilized their community to provide essential relief to Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Spearheading the initiative were Jaime Williams, Chairwoman of New York State’s emergency response and disaster preparedness, and Monique Chandler-Waterman, Co-Chair of the Caribbean American Delegation. Both assembly members organized an “urgent packing day” at TriniJam BK, a Caribbean restaurant in Brooklyn, to gather supplies for Jamaica’s recovery efforts. Calvin Sennon, co-owner of TriniJam BK, described the scene as volunteers transformed the restaurant into a hub of compassion, with tables overflowing with essential items such as hygiene kits, canned goods, and flashlights. Families, students, and local organizations worked tirelessly, assembling critical supplies destined for Jamaican relief centers. Williams, a seasoned leader in disaster recovery, emphasized the urgency of the situation, praising the Caribbean Diaspora and Brooklyn community for their swift response. Chandler-Waterman echoed this sentiment, highlighting the resilience and solidarity of the Caribbean community. The initiative also saw participation from local officials, non-profits, and faith leaders, reflecting the deep cultural and familial ties that unite New York’s Caribbean population. As shipments began their journey to Jamaica, Williams and Chandler-Waterman pledged continued support in the weeks ahead, while also acknowledging the ongoing recovery needs of other Caribbean islands affected by previous hurricanes.

  • Golovkin elected president of World Boxing

    Golovkin elected president of World Boxing

    PARIS, France (AFP)—In a significant development for the sport, former middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin has been elected as the president of World Boxing, the organization tasked with overseeing boxing at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The 43-year-old Kazakh boxer, a two-time unified world middleweight champion and Olympic silver medalist, was unanimously chosen during the annual congress in Rome, where he stood as the sole candidate. Golovkin succeeds Dutchman Boris van der Vorst, who opted not to seek re-election after his 2023 appointment. In his inaugural statement, Golovkin emphasized his commitment to placing athletes at the core of decision-making and restoring trust in Olympic boxing. ‘Starting today, athletes will be at the heart of every decision we make,’ he declared. ‘On the road to LA28, we will restore trust in Olympic boxing to secure our place in Brisbane (host of the 2032 Olympics) beyond. Now it’s time to move forward as one united boxing family.’ Golovkin’s election comes amid a turbulent period for the sport, following the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to sever ties with the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to governance and ethical concerns. The IOC managed boxing at the Tokyo and Paris Games while deliberating the sport’s Olympic future. World Boxing, established in 2023, has now taken the reins, with Golovkin at the helm. His appointment follows the recent election of Manny Pacquiao, another boxing legend, as vice president of the IBA, highlighting the sport’s ongoing efforts to navigate its challenges and secure its Olympic legacy.

  • G20 grapples with splintering world order

    G20 grapples with splintering world order

    JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AFP)—As the G20 summit concluded in South Africa on Sunday, leaders emphasized the importance of multilateralism, even as they grappled with a rapidly evolving global landscape marked by unilateral U.S. policies, escalating conflicts, and intensifying geopolitical rivalries. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney remarked, ‘Too many nations are retreating into protectionist blocs or geopolitical battlegrounds. What we’re witnessing is not a transition but a rupture.’ The summit, notably boycotted by the United States, sparked intense discussions on the future of the G20 in an increasingly fragmented world. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his closing remarks, described the gathering as ‘crucial,’ noting the growing global demand for progress on pressing issues. Despite the challenges to international cooperation, the G20 leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism in a joint declaration, asserting that shared goals outweigh differences. Attendees included representatives from Europe, China, India, Japan, Turkey, Brazil, and Australia, marking the first G20 summit hosted in Africa. The leaders acknowledged the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions, economic instability, and inequality. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the G20 might be nearing the end of an era, suggesting a refocus on strategic economic issues. The G20, established after the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis, was initially designed to enhance global economic stability. However, the U.S. absence, attributed to policy disagreements with South Africa, cast a shadow over the event. Emerging economies and the Global South were highlighted as increasingly pivotal within the G20 framework. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva asserted that multilateralism remains robust, despite efforts to undermine it. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed disappointment over the U.S. decision to skip the summit but noted the emergence of new global alliances.

  • Sorrel for Christmas?

    Sorrel for Christmas?

    Jamaica’s cherished Christmas tradition of enjoying sorrel, a deep red, gingery drink made from the Roselle plant, faces significant challenges this year due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. Farmers in the northeastern parish of St Mary report severe damage to sorrel crops, with yields expected to plummet to just 10% of normal levels. The Category 5 storm, coupled with pre-existing leaf diseases and relentless rainfall, has left many fields flattened and crops ruined. Dave Evans, a sorrel farmer from Richmond, shared that his usual harvest of 9,000 pounds has been drastically reduced, forcing him to declare a loss for the season. Comisha Campbell-Clunis, another farmer, saw her 3,500 sorrel plants dwindle to just 1,500 survivors. The scarcity is expected to drive prices up to $1,500 per pound, a steep increase from the usual $500. Veteran farmer Junior Williams, who cultivates a hardy variety of sorrel, emphasized the resilience of the crop but acknowledged that even his fields suffered damage. Across the sector, farmers are struggling to salvage what remains, but the festive season may see many Jamaican tables without the traditional sorrel drink. The Minister of Agriculture, Floyd Green, has yet to comment on the situation, leaving farmers and consumers alike uncertain about the availability of this holiday staple.

  • Brazil ‘very concerned’ about US naval build-up near Venezuela

    Brazil ‘very concerned’ about US naval build-up near Venezuela

    Johannesburg, South Africa (AFP) – Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva voiced deep concern on Sunday regarding the United States’ escalating military presence near Venezuela, emphasizing the potential for conflict. Speaking to reporters in Johannesburg following the G20 summit, Lula revealed his intention to address the issue directly with US President Donald Trump. “I am very troubled by the military assets the United States has deployed in the Caribbean Sea. This situation worries me, and I plan to discuss it with President Trump,” Lula stated. He further cautioned against the dangers of military escalation, drawing parallels to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. “Once a shot is fired, it becomes difficult to predict the outcome,” he warned. The US has recently positioned an aircraft carrier strike group, additional naval warships, and stealth aircraft in the vicinity of Venezuela. On Friday, the US issued a warning to civilian aircraft operating in Venezuelan airspace, urging them to “exercise caution.” Since September, US forces have targeted over 20 vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific, resulting in more than 80 fatalities. US officials claim these operations were aimed at drug traffickers but have yet to provide substantiating evidence. The Trump administration has accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of leading a “terrorist” drug cartel and has not dismissed the possibility of deploying US troops. Lula, highlighting Brazil’s shared border with Venezuela, stressed the importance of seeking a diplomatic resolution before tensions escalate further. Notably, Trump opted not to attend the G20 summit in South Africa, citing a misalignment between the summit’s focus on global trade and climate change and US policies.

  • 50 children kidnapped from Nigerian school have escaped—Christian group

    50 children kidnapped from Nigerian school have escaped—Christian group

    In a glimmer of hope amidst a harrowing crisis, fifty of the over 300 children abducted from St Mary’s co-education school in Niger state, Nigeria, have managed to escape their captors, according to a statement released by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Sunday. The children, aged between eight and 18, fled between Friday and Saturday and have since been reunited with their families. This development follows a brazen attack by gunmen on Friday, who stormed the school and kidnapped 303 students and 12 teachers in one of the largest mass abductions in the country’s history. The incident has exacerbated growing security concerns in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, prompting widespread school closures. Earlier in the week, a similar attack occurred in Kebbi state, where 25 girls were abducted from a secondary school. Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, CAN chairman in Niger State, expressed cautious relief but urged continued prayers for the safe return of the remaining victims. The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the abduction.

  • Life for enslaved Africans in Tobago

    Life for enslaved Africans in Tobago

    From the 17th to the 19th century, Tobago became a battleground for European powers vying for control, with enslaved Africans thrust into the heart of this turmoil. The Courlanders, Dutch, French, and British imported Africans to meet their labor demands, not only for agricultural production but also for military purposes. These enslaved individuals were instrumental in building forts, clearing land, and even fighting in wars that were not their own. Their lives were shaped by the relentless competition among European settlers, who relied on slave labor to establish and defend their settlements. Between 1656 and 1807, thousands of Africans were forcibly brought to Tobago, with the British alone transporting 51 shiploads. Despite their significant contributions, the history of these Africans was often erased with the departure of their European captors. The island’s forts, such as Fort Jacobson and Fort King George, stand as enduring reminders of their forced labor. Enslaved Africans were also tasked with clearing paths, carrying supplies, and supporting their owners in battles, often becoming the first casualties. The lack of records for African casualties underscores the dehumanization they endured. Beyond warfare, they were subjected to harsh plantation labor, producing sugar, cotton, and dyes under oppressive conditions. Despite their exploitation, some Africans were trained as gunner assistants and even formed part of the Tobago Black Corps, a militia unit. Their multifaceted roles highlight the brutal realities of colonialism and the resilience of those who endured it.

  • Through the eyes of Ariya, 10-year-old passion for art

    Through the eyes of Ariya, 10-year-old passion for art

    At just 10 years old, Ariya Ramdass, a student at Avocat Vedic School in Fyzabad, is already making a significant impact in the art world. Her vibrant painting, titled ‘Future in her Eyes,’ is currently on display at the Rotunda Gallery in the Red House, captivating audiences with its profound message and artistic brilliance. The piece, a self-portrait, reflects Ariya’s vision of a harmonious future where children of diverse backgrounds unite, and renewable energy sources like solar panels and windmills are widely adopted. Using a blend of acrylic paints and black ink, Ariya brought her imaginative concept to life, leaving viewers, including UNDP representative Ugo Blanco and Tobago House of Assembly Health Secretary Dr. Faith Brebnor, in awe. Ariya’s passion for art began at a young age, as she recalls, ‘Since I could hold a pencil.’ Her school has been instrumental in nurturing her creativity, encouraging her to participate in various art competitions. While art remains her primary passion, Ariya also enjoys grammar, which she finds easier than other subjects. Inspired by her mother, who is also an artist, Ariya aspires to follow in her footsteps and dreams of having her artwork exhibited in galleries worldwide. The exhibition, ‘Visions of Tomorrow – Cities through the Eyes of Children,’ was held to commemorate World Children’s Day, inviting young artists aged seven to 18 to express their hopes and aspirations for the future of Trinidad and Tobago through art. The event aimed to showcase children’s perspectives on their communities, challenges, and dreams for a more inclusive society.