Carib Scope

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  • Goodbye, Newsday

    Goodbye, Newsday

    A devoted reader has expressed profound disappointment upon learning about the imminent shutdown of Newsday, marking the end of a 32-year legacy in Trinidad and Tobago’s media landscape. In a heartfelt letter to the editor, the reader identified as C Denoon acknowledged the newspaper’s pivotal role in keeping citizens informed about local, regional, and international developments.

    The correspondence, submitted via email, highlighted the publication’s significance as a platform for public discourse, noting personal gratitude for having multiple letters published over the years. The reader characterized Newsday as an institutional pillar within the nation’s media ecosystem, emphasizing its contribution to an informed citizenry.

    While expressing sadness about the closure, the author acknowledged the inevitability of such transitions, stating that goodbyes remain an unavoidable aspect of life. The message concluded with a simple yet poignant farewell to the publication that had served Trinidad and Tobago for more than three decades.

    The closure represents a significant shift in the country’s media environment, removing a long-standing voice that had provided news coverage and commentary across multiple domains including politics, social issues, and international affairs.

  • Vulgar Fraction presents TantiBlak with live talk, band launch

    Vulgar Fraction presents TantiBlak with live talk, band launch

    Belmont-based independent mas band Vulgar Fraction is poised to introduce its groundbreaking 2026 Carnival presentation titled ‘TantiBlak’ through two significant events scheduled for January 21 and 28. Both gatherings will convene at 24 Erthig Road, Belmont commencing at 6:30 pm, featuring a live discussion and official band launch respectively.

    According to founder and creative director Robert Young, TantiBlak represents an innovative cultural synthesis that channels the anti-anti-blackness movement through the symbolic Caribbean figure of the Tantie—a revered icon embodying care, truth, and resistance. This conceptual framework extends beyond mere opposition to racism, embracing a broader practice of refusal and reimagining societal structures.

    The philosophical foundation positions Blackness not as a racial category but as a dynamic condition of becoming—characterized by fluidity, incompletion, and boundless potential. This perspective acknowledges how Blackness is shaped through historical loss, survival mechanisms, cultural improvisation, and the courage to transcend externally imposed limitations.

    Young explains the conceptual origin: ‘The terminology emerged from contemplating our collective response to anti-blackness, which we term anti-anti-blackness. The phonetic resonance between ‘anti’ and ‘aunty’ naturally evolved into Tantie—the reassuring figure who affirms self-worth while teaching resistance without self-erasure.’

    Vulgar Fraction deliberately grounds this global discourse in Caribbean vernacular through Carnival expressions, making complex theoretical concepts accessible through masquerade, kaiso, and local cultural frameworks. The project examines how blackness transcends identity politics, functioning as an experimental space that raises fundamental questions about power dynamics, historical erasure, and how marginalized communities navigate dominant systems.

    Citing philosopher Bayo Akomolafe’s concept of cracks as spaces where new worlds are rehearsed, Young emphasizes: ‘We’re fascinated by the crack not as weakness but as intelligence—precisely where the Tantie demonstrates her resilience through strategic adaptation and skillful navigation of challenging circumstances.’

    The band’s aesthetic approach will feature layered black textures creating simultaneous sensations of menace and intimacy. ‘I want the presentation to feel unsettling yet affirming,’ Young notes, ‘inviting participants to confront internalized anti-blackness while reflecting on self-definition and protection.’

    The January 21 live talk will feature cultural practitioners Camille Quamina, Omari Ashby, and mental health professional Shivonne DuBarry. The band launch culminates in a procession led by moko jumbie king Adrian ‘Daddy Jumbie’ Young accompanied by Egbe Omo Oni Isese drummers, with presentations by researcher Abeo Jackson and cultural creative Marva Newton. A post-Carnival discussion featuring Professor Kevin Adonis Brown is scheduled for February.

  • Government policy only from government offices

    Government policy only from government offices

    The United National Congress (UNC), having secured a decisive victory in last April’s general election with a 29-12 parliamentary majority, followed by a clean sweep of all 15 seats in the January 12 Tobago House of Assembly election by its Tobago allies, now faces mounting criticism over its administrative practices. Despite this commanding mandate, concerns have emerged regarding the apparent conflation of party and state functions.

    Over the past month, multiple government ministers have chosen to deliver official policy announcements from the UNC’s party headquarters in Chaguanas rather than from government offices. This practice, while common when the party was in opposition, has raised eyebrows now that the UNC holds governmental power. The briefings have featured prominent cabinet members including Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers, Housing Minister David Lee, Transport Minister Eli Zakour, and several others, all speaking from party premises flanked by both national and party flags.

    Journalists have reported difficulties in accessing these events, with many briefings announced merely as online occurrences without clear venue information until the last moment. Notably, only a January 14 briefing by Attorney General John Jeremie and Minister of Lands Saddam Hosein was conducted at an appropriate government ministry.

    When questioned about this blending of party and government functions, UNC Public Relations Officer Dr. Kirk Meighoo offered a straightforward defense: ‘Our members form the government and that is government policy. The UNC forms the government. We were voted in by the majority and that is how democracy works.’

    However, editorial analysis suggests that if the previous administration had similarly conducted government business from PNM headquarters, the UNC would have undoubtedly criticized such practices. The current approach raises important questions about institutional separation between governing party and state apparatus, with advocates emphasizing that utilizing proper government offices for official announcements would better serve democratic norms and transparency in Trinidad and Tobago.

  • Congrats on icons support

    Congrats on icons support

    The Ministry of Culture and Community Development has unveiled a significant new initiative designed to provide sustained support for the nation’s cultural pioneers and veterans. Announced by Minister Michelle Benjamin, the program specifically targets those individuals who have played foundational roles in shaping the country’s cultural identity.

    This comprehensive support framework aims to ensure that cultural icons and practitioners receive meaningful assistance during difficult periods, addressing concerns about their welfare and recognition. The initiative represents a formal commitment to protecting those who have contributed substantially to the nation’s cultural heritage.

    The announcement, which featured Minister Benjamin alongside renowned calypso legend Timothy ‘Baron’ Watkins, has been welcomed as a necessary step in honoring cultural contributors. According to the ministry’s statement, the program will focus on three primary objectives: recognizing artistic achievements, securing the well-being of aging artists, and preserving their legacies for future generations.

    In a letter to the editor, commentator Gerald Agostini praised the initiative as “long overdue” and expressed hope that the support system would remain in place for years to come. The program addresses growing concerns about the welfare of aging cultural figures who have historically received inadequate institutional support despite their significant contributions to national identity.

  • Long, winding road to self-government

    Long, winding road to self-government

    The recent electoral triumph of a Tobago-based political party in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections has created a pivotal moment for advancing the island’s long-standing pursuit of genuine internal self-government. This development comes after decades of unfulfilled promises and political maneuvering that have repeatedly raised and dashed the hopes of Tobagonians.

    Audley Graham, in a compelling editorial submission, argues that any legitimate legislative arrangement must fundamentally treat the Tobagonian people with fairness, dignity, and respect. This necessitates establishing frameworks that enable Tobago to generate its own revenue, develop critical infrastructure, and exercise substantial control over local resources.

    Rather than initiating new legislative drafts, Graham recommends that Chief Secretary Farley Augustine appoint a dedicated secretary for devolution and governance matters. This official should synthesize existing proposals dating back to the Seemungal draft of the 1970s through the most recent bill from the Rowley administration, creating a robust legislative document that reflects Tobago’s aspirations.

    The editorial highlights how successive central governments—both PNM and UNC administrations—have consistently demonstrated insufficient political will to facilitate authentic self-government for Tobago. These administrations have typically employed token approaches that disregard the unique intersectional identity of Tobagonians within the unitary state of Trinidad and Tobago.

    Graham points to Tobago’s proven governance capabilities, noting that key architects of the nation’s early independence era—including Doddridge Alleyne, Eugenio Moore, Victor Bruce, and ANR Robinson—hailed from Tobago. The current practice of delaying tactics, such as appointing joint select committees under the guise of bipartisan cooperation, only serves the self-interest and neo-colonial ambitions of Trinidad-based parties.

    The prolonged denial of Tobago’s self-determination aspirations not only harms Tobagonians economically and psychologically but also weakens the nation’s overall economic potential. Graham warns that continued delays risk hardening the resolve of minority elements who might advocate for secession—an outcome beneficial to no party, least of all Tobago itself.

    With the people of Tobago having clearly expressed their political will through the ballot box, the editorial concludes that their democratic voice must now be respected through concrete action toward meaningful self-governance.

  • Vatican employees voice discontent in first poll

    Vatican employees voice discontent in first poll

    In an unprecedented move, lay employees of the Vatican have publicly expressed significant discontent with workplace conditions through a first-of-its-kind survey. The Association of Vatican Lay Staff, representing approximately 300 workers in the world’s smallest state, conducted the poll between December 15 and January 7, revealing widespread dissatisfaction among the Holy See’s workforce.

    The survey, which gathered responses from 250 Vatican employees, found that 73.9% of respondents reported a substantial ‘disconnect’ with management. An even higher percentage—75.9%—stated they felt undervalued and demotivated in their positions. Most alarmingly, 56% of participants disclosed having ‘suffered injustice and harassment from their manager,’ a finding the association described as particularly concerning.

    Vatican employees, who number around 4,000 and include cooks, gardeners, and cleaners, are prohibited from forming trade unions despite their substantial workforce. Most reside outside the Vatican walls but enjoy tax-free salaries and free medical care as employment benefits.

    The historical context includes a sometimes fractious relationship between staff and the late Pope Francis. Some employees have expressed hopes for improved conditions under Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded him last year. The new pontiff’s early actions included reinstating a 500-euro bonus for employees following papal elections.

    When asked about potential suggestions for the pope, a majority of respondents advocated for ‘dignity, a voice and real protection for staff through representation, transparency, dialogue and respect.’ The Vatican, as headquarters of the Catholic Church, maintains its unique status with approximately 900 residents within its ancient walls, including cardinals, nuns, priests, diplomats, and lay people.

  • Melissa-ravaged small shopkeeper back on her feet with JN Bank support

    Melissa-ravaged small shopkeeper back on her feet with JN Bank support

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic passage over Jamaica, the storm’s legacy extended far beyond physical destruction, severely crippling the economic foundations of local entrepreneurs. Andrea Knox, a dedicated shopkeeper from Lime Hall, St Ann, faced the utter devastation of her livelihood when the Category 5 hurricane tore the roof from her establishment, a business she had painstakingly built over five years.

    The immediate aftermath forced Knox into swift action. During a brief lull in the storm, she, aided by family members, salvaged what merchandise she could, transporting it to her nearby home, which had also sustained damage. The total losses were substantial: a destroyed roof, ruined electronic equipment including a television and sound system, and a complete spoilage of refrigerated goods—three boxes of ice cream, chicken, and other items—due to prolonged power outages. Knox initially estimated her total losses at approximately $200,000 in spoiled stock and a further $250,000 required for structural repairs.

    Faced with an uncertain path to recovery, Knox found critical support through her existing relationship with JN Bank Small Business Loans. The institution provided a comprehensive financial recovery package. This began with an immediate two-month payment holiday on her existing loan, alleviating the pressure of repayments during the most critical period. Furthermore, the bank proactively restructured her loan agreement. This restructuring extended the loan’s term and provided additional capital, specifically allocated for roof repairs and replenishing inventory.

    Cian Murphy, Client Relations Manager at JN Bank Small Business Loans, emphasized the institution’s strategic approach. Murphy stated that such support, including tailored payment holidays and loan restructuring, is a fundamental commitment to the small business sector, which acts as the backbone of local communities. The goal extends beyond short-term relief, aiming to ensure long-term business viability by adjusting repayment schedules, reducing monthly obligations, and aligning terms with the client’s post-disaster financial reality. This flexibility is designed to help entrepreneurs regain stability without facing insurmountable long-term financial setbacks.

    With the injected funds, Knox successfully repaired her shop with a new roof and restocked her shelves. She expressed profound relief and confidence, noting that her business is not only operational again but is on a more secure footing. The intervention transformed a scenario of complete operational disruption into a story of resilient recovery, underscoring the vital role of responsive financial institutions in post-disaster economic healing.

  • Police commissioner rejects claims of resistance to body-worn cameras

    Police commissioner rejects claims of resistance to body-worn cameras

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s top law enforcement official has launched a vigorous defense of the police force’s body-worn camera initiative, categorically rejecting allegations of institutional resistance as deliberate falsehoods designed to mislead the public.

    Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake, in a sharply worded editorial published in the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) weekly Force Orders, expressed growing concern about what he characterized as coordinated efforts to create distorted narratives surrounding the implementation of the body-worn camera (BWC) program. The commissioner specifically addressed criticisms emerging in discussions about police-involved fatal shootings.

    “I acknowledge those who build careers and reputations through dismantling institutional credibility and propagating negative stories,” Blake stated. “Our systematic approach will ultimately deprive them of the adverse coverage they depend on.”

    Blake revealed that while he initially attempted to address misconceptions diplomatically, the persistent circulation of inaccurate information necessitated a more direct response. “Although I typically prefer diplomatic engagement, circumstances now demand unambiguous confrontation of these falsehoods,” he explained.

    At the heart of the controversy lies critics’ long-standing assertion that infrastructure deficiencies have delayed full BWC deployment. The commissioner firmly refuted this claim, revealing that the necessary digital infrastructure has been operational since 2023, with current efforts focused exclusively on equipment procurement and strategic distribution.

    The police leader referenced his previous public briefings, including an interview where he announced the JCF’s advanced procurement stage for 1,000 cameras. These units were delivered within weeks and have been largely deployed, with acquisition processes now underway for an additional 1,000 devices.

    Blake suggested that the perpetuation of false narratives serves particular interests rather than genuine public concern. “Maintaining the fiction of JCF resistance to body-worn cameras reinforces certain commentators’ relevance while concealing their inadequate understanding of actual circumstances,” he remarked.

    The commissioner positioned the BWC debate within broader criticism of what he described as an ‘economy of commentary’ that profits from portraying the police force as reform-resistant. He simultaneously dismissed claims that recent crime reduction resulted from improper police conduct, emphasizing that numerous firearm-related arrests occur annually without lethal force.

    Concluding his statement, Blake called for redirected public discourse, urging advocacy groups to join appeals encouraging armed criminals to avoid confronting police officers. He additionally offered reassurances to frontline officers, promising unwavering leadership support for those operating within legal boundaries while protecting public safety.

  • Holness expresses condolences to Spain after deadly train crash

    Holness expresses condolences to Spain after deadly train crash

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has publicly conveyed profound sympathies to the Spanish government and its citizens after a catastrophic railway incident resulted in significant casualties. The tragic event occurred on Sunday evening near Adamuz in the Andalusia region, claiming 41 lives and prompting international expressions of solidarity.

    In an official statement released via social media platform X, Holness emphasized the profound impact of the disaster, noting that the scale of loss transcends national boundaries. The collision involved a passenger service traveling from Malaga to Madrid, which derailed and subsequently collided with an oncoming train, causing both to overturn.

    Prime Minister Holness drew parallels between Spain’s current tragedy and the support Spain provided Jamaica during the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which resulted in over 50 Jamaican fatalities. This historical context underscored the mutual solidarity between the two nations.

    Holness expressed particular empathy for bereaved families and those injured in the accident, assuring them of Jamaica’s spiritual support during Spain’s declared period of national mourning. He concluded his message with a traditional benediction for the deceased.

    This incident represents the first of two recent railway emergencies in Spain, with a subsequent commuter train accident on Tuesday resulting in additional fatalities and injuries when infrastructure failure caused a collision in Barcelona.

  • Tributes for ‘kind hearted and loving’ teen car crash victim

    Tributes for ‘kind hearted and loving’ teen car crash victim

    A profound sense of grief has enveloped the local community following the tragic death of 18-year-old Chanell Adderley, who lost her life in a devastating vehicular accident earlier this week. The incident occurred during the early hours of Monday morning when the car she was traveling in collided with a stationary wooden pole along Prince Charles Drive.

    According to official police reports, two male occupants sustained injuries in the collision and were promptly transported to a medical facility for treatment. Their current medical status remains undisclosed to the public.

    The sudden passing of the young woman has generated an outpouring of emotional tributes across social media platforms, with friends and family members collectively remembering her as an exceptionally compassionate and affectionate individual. Darvinette Hanna, a close friend, expressed her profound shock and disbelief, recalling their recent outing to watch the Avatar film together as a cherished final memory.

    Lothario Adderley, the young woman’s uncle, emotionally described the tragedy as resembling a nightmare, addressing his niece directly in his online memorial: “SIP baby. Uncle love you so much.”

    Another friend, identified only as Katara, provided an especially moving testimony, characterizing Adderley as both a sisterly figure and personal sanctuary. She credited the deceased with providing unwavering emotional support during challenging times, noting: “You never let me give up on myself, even when I wanted to. You encouraged me, pushed me, and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.” Katara concluded her tribute with a solemn pledge to persevere in her personal endeavors as a testament to their friendship.

    This tragic incident represents the sixth recorded traffic fatality within the nation this year, according to official documentation maintained by The Tribune.