Carib Scope

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  • Ex-MP, sport administrator remembered: Eddie’s ‘hart’ of gold

    Ex-MP, sport administrator remembered: Eddie’s ‘hart’ of gold

    Hundreds gathered at the Eddie Hart Savannah in Tacarigua on January 13 to pay final respects to Eddie Hart, the revered football administrator and former parliamentarian who passed away at 89 on January 4. The emotional funeral service celebrated the life of a man widely remembered for his golden heart and selfless dedication to communities across Trinidad and Tobago.

    Hart’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings at St. Mary’s Children’s Home to becoming a national sports icon and PNM MP was recounted through heartfelt tributes from political leaders, sports enthusiasts, and family members. Former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles joined numerous PNM members in honoring Hart’s legacy.

    Former Minister of Sport Marilyn Gordon delivered a moving eulogy, recalling Hart’s unwavering commitment to youth development through his Eddie Hart Football League. “We have lost a giant. I don’t think anybody could come close to what he did for this country,” Gordon stated, noting how Hart’s passion for sports sometimes cost him professionally—including being suspended from a job for leaving work to buy team uniforms.

    Cultural tributes filled the service, with Trinidad All Stars stalwart Dane Gulston and vocalist Adrian Philbert performing musical honors. Family friend David Peters remembered Hart’s generosity, recalling how he donated footballs to St. Mary’s Anglican School upon learning they only had one ball. “The heart of Tunapuna has left us,” Peters lamented.

    Hart’s grandsons revealed during the wake that their grandfather would receive community members seeking assistance from 5 am daily, demonstrating his boundless commitment to helping others. Football enthusiast Earl “Mango” Pierre presented the family with a commemorative plaque and national team jersey honoring Hart’s monumental contributions to Trinidad and Tobago’s sporting landscape.

  • ASJA Girls’ Sando start school v-ball season with a bang

    ASJA Girls’ Sando start school v-ball season with a bang

    The Eastern Regional Indoor Sport Arena in Tacarigua witnessed an electrifying commencement of the 2026 Secondary Schools Volleyball League (SSVL) season on January 12, with ASJA Girls’ College San Fernando emerging as early standout performers in the Under-17 category. The team demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience by securing two consecutive victories on the opening day.

    In their inaugural match, ASJA dominated St Joseph’s Convent St Joseph with a decisive straight-sets triumph (25-14, 25-21). The team faced a sterner test against defending open category champions Maple Leaf International School, dropping the first set 25-18 before mounting a spectacular comeback to claim the subsequent sets 25-23 and 15-12, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

    In another thrilling Under-17 encounter, Maple Leaf International School redeemed themselves against reigning champions International School of Port of Spain (ISPS) in a three-set thriller. After conceding the first set 25-19, Maple Leaf displayed remarkable composure to edge the second set 25-22 before dominating the decisive third set 15-9.

    ISPS managed to bounce back with a straight-sets victory (25-16, 25-22) against St Joseph’s Convent, despite facing determined resistance in the second set.

    The league, which launched on January 12 and continues through February 8, features competition across Under-15, Under-17, and open age categories for both male and female teams. Defending champions include ISPS (girls’ Under-15), San Juan South Secondary (boys’ Under-17 and open), and Barrackpore West Secondary (boys’ Under-15).

    The competition brings together schools from three regional zones: East (featuring El Dorado West Secondary, San Juan South Secondary, and others), North (including Fatima College, ISPS, and Maple Leaf International), and South (comprising ASJA colleges, Naparima schools, and Barrackpore West Secondary).

  • Tancoo: Substantial amount of 2024 tax refunds issued

    Tancoo: Substantial amount of 2024 tax refunds issued

    The Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Finance has initiated the disbursement of tax refunds for the 2024 fiscal year, according to an official statement from Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo. The announcement came through a WhatsApp exchange with Newsday on January 13th, where Minister Tancoo confirmed that “a substantial amount of 2024 tax refunds were issued last week.

    The disclosure provides tangible relief to taxpayers who have been awaiting reimbursement from the national treasury. While the minister did not specify exact figures or the total value of refunds distributed, his acknowledgment signals active processing of outstanding tax returns by government financial authorities.

    In the same communication, Minister Tancoo demonstrated diplomatic restraint when questioned about an upcoming January 14th meeting with the Chief Personnel Officer. He respectfully declined to comment on the meeting’s agenda, stating, “as you are aware, I cannot comment on discussions with the CPO,” maintaining appropriate confidentiality around internal governmental deliberations.

    The refund distribution represents a significant financial administration initiative that directly impacts citizen finances and demonstrates the government’s commitment to fulfilling its fiscal obligations.

  • TTUTA plans mass rally if salaries not updated

    TTUTA plans mass rally if salaries not updated

    The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) is organizing a mass demonstration amid growing frustration over unresolved salary adjustments for educators. Union President Crystal Ashe confirmed the planned rally after revealing that no communication has been received from the Chief Personnel Officer or Finance Ministry regarding the status of revised compensation packages.

    Ashe disclosed that despite previous agreements, the Education Ministry’s Finance Department has not received instructions to implement new salary calculations as of January 8. Furthermore, the crucial Cabinet Note required to authorize these payments failed to gain acceptance, creating an administrative impasse.

    The current dispute stems from an agreement made under previous TTUTA leadership, where a five percent salary increase for the 2020-2023 period was accepted just days before the April 28 general election. Ashe expressed cautious optimism despite the deteriorating situation, noting that January 13 marked the critical payroll calculation date when officials typically finalize monthly compensation.

    The union president revealed concerning contradictions in public statements, noting: “While I didn’t hear him say it, I read somewhere that [the Minister of Finance] said he is unaware of any money to come to us because he didn’t make any such promise or arrangement.”

    TTUTA has initiated visible protests with educators adopting red attire as a symbol of solidarity. The union is pursuing formal communication channels through written appeals while simultaneously seeking official permission from the Commissioner of Police for a mass rally. Ashe emphasized that teachers continue fulfilling their duties despite working under outdated compensation structures, stating: “They are dedicated to the children of TT, even in light of all the developments.”

    The union maintains that protest actions will continue indefinitely until salaries reflect the promised adjustments, combining public demonstrations with behind-the-scenes advocacy through official channels.

  • Parents grieve as boy, 3, dies in sleep

    Parents grieve as boy, 3, dies in sleep

    A Corinth Hills family is confronting unimaginable grief following the sudden death of their three-year-old son, Omarie Richins, who passed away in his sleep during the early hours of January 12. The tragic incident has sparked urgent conversations about child sleep safety and parental vigilance.

    Medical authorities at San Fernando General Hospital conducted a comprehensive autopsy revealing that young Omarie succumbed to a combination of cerebral edema (brain swelling), aspiration pneumonitis, and lower respiratory tract infection. Professor Hubert Daisley, who performed the examination, noted that aspiration pneumonitis occurs when gastric acid is inhaled into the lungs, causing severe inflammation. Additionally, toxicological analysis has been ordered following reports that the child had consumed potentially contaminated drain water, which might have contained pesticide or herbicide residues.

    The child’s father, 58-year-old Anderson, recounted the heartbreaking sequence of events during an emotional interview at their Demeter Lane residence on January 13. He described how the family had shared a pizza dinner earlier that evening—Omarie’s favorite meal—during which the toddler consumed approximately four and a half slices along with sharing a bottle of mauby with his father.

    Following a domestic disagreement between parents that night, Omarie had retired with his mother. According to Anderson’s account based on his wife’s testimony, the child awoke around 3 am complaining of headache, abdominal discomfort, and presenting with mild fever. Mistaking these symptoms for simple indigestion from overeating, she applied Vicks VapoRub and attempted to soothe him back to sleep.

    Tragically, when she later discovered Omarie was unresponsive, immediate CPR efforts proved insufficient. Anderson, drawing on his experience as a former volunteer firefighter, performed emergency procedures including manually clearing vomitus from the child’s airways. Paramedics arrived promptly and transported Omarie to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

    In his profound grief, Anderson has chosen to focus on spiritual acceptance rather than blame, stating: ‘I am not God, so if God sees it fit to take him from us, all I have to do is just ask God to strengthen me.’ He has become an unexpected advocate for child safety, urging parents to maintain vigilant watch over sleeping children: ‘When you have young kids and they eat, even though you’re going to sleep, you must still get up and check. Put your hand by their nostril, put your hand on their stomach.’

    The grieving father emphasized that tragedies can occur without warning, advising parents never to take their children’s wellbeing during sleep for granted. While not attributing fault to his wife, he acknowledged that different sleeping arrangements might have altered the outcome.

    The comprehensive autopsy results are pending toxicology reports, which will determine whether contaminated water consumption played any role in this devastating loss. The community now awaits these findings while mourning with the Richins family.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Wednesday January 14th 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Wednesday January 14th 2026

    The global dietary supplement market, valued in the hundreds of billions, is confronting intensified examination from both scientific communities and regulatory bodies. A recent surge in analytical reporting has brought to light persistent concerns regarding the verifiable efficacy, manufacturing standards, and marketing claims prevalent within the industry.

    Unlike pharmaceutical products, which undergo rigorous pre-market testing for safety and effectiveness, supplements often enter the consumer marketplace with significantly less oversight. This regulatory gap, primarily stemming from legislation like the U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, places the burden of proof on agencies to demonstrate a product is unsafe after it is already available to the public.

    Key areas of concern highlighted by experts include frequent ingredient mislabeling, contamination with undeclared substances, and potent bioactive compounds being sold without adequate dosage studies. Furthermore, marketing language often utilizes carefully crafted ‘structure/function’ claims that suggest health benefits which may not be substantiated by robust clinical evidence, potentially misleading consumers.

    The implications for public health are significant. Consumers may inadvertently choose supplements over proven medical treatments, experience adverse reactions, or incur substantial financial cost for products with negligible benefit. Health advocates are increasingly calling for more stringent mandatory testing, transparent labeling requirements, and greater authority for regulatory agencies to remove questionable products from shelves proactively.

    This ongoing scrutiny underscores a critical dialogue about the balance between consumer access, industry innovation, and the imperative to ensure product safety and truthfulness in the expansive wellness market.

  • Gov’t proposes 300% increase in stipend paid to jurors

    Gov’t proposes 300% increase in stipend paid to jurors

    In a significant move to strengthen civic participation, Jamaica’s House of Representatives has approved a monumental increase in juror compensation. Justice Minister Delroy Chuck presented the amendment to the Jury Act on Tuesday, which mandates a 300% raise in daily stipends for citizens performing jury duty.

    The revised legislation elevates the daily payment from $2,000 to $6,000 per day. Furthermore, it introduces a groundbreaking provision offering $2,000 per day to individuals who participate in the jury selection process but are not ultimately chosen to serve on a trial.

    Minister Chuck emphasized that this adjustment reflects the government’s recognition of jurors’ indispensable role in maintaining a democratic justice system. The substantial increase addresses long-standing criticisms that the previous compensation failed to cover basic expenses like transportation and meals, creating financial hardship for citizens fulfilling their civic obligations.

    “This modification, though modest, demonstrates our acknowledgment of the financial burden jury duty imposes on ordinary Jamaicans,” Chuck stated during his ministerial address. He highlighted the government’s “deep appreciation” for those who set aside their personal responsibilities to serve the national interest.

    The reform arrives amid ongoing discussions about potentially phasing out jury trials in favor of bench trials presided over solely by judges—a position supported by Chief Justice Bryan Sykes. Nevertheless, the stipend enhancement aims to incentivize greater participation in the judicial process by mitigating financial barriers for prospective jurors.

    Minister Chuck acknowledged that the amendment’s presentation followed extensive deliberation to ensure the proposed increases were appropriate and sustainable. The government anticipates that these measures will offset expenses incurred by jurors and strengthen the foundation of Jamaica’s justice system.

  • Tourism’s triple five targets blown off track but sector resilient

    Tourism’s triple five targets blown off track but sector resilient

    Jamaica’s ambitious ‘triple five’ tourism strategy—aiming for five million visitors, US$5 billion in earnings, and 5,000 new hotel rooms by 2025—has been significantly derailed by consecutive hurricane strikes, compelling a major recalibration of the sector’s growth trajectory. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett confirmed the setback, attributing the shortfall primarily to Hurricanes Beryl (2024) and Melissa (2025), which collectively caused the loss of nearly half a million visitors and widespread infrastructure damage.

    Preliminary 2025 estimates now project approximately 4.5 million arrivals and US$4.6 billion in revenues, falling substantially short of original targets. Hurricane Melissa alone dealt what Bartlett described as a ‘significant blow,’ with approximately 30% of hotel rooms currently offline. Sector capacity is expected to gradually recover, reaching 80-85% by mid-year and 90% by November, though full restoration remains months away.

    The financial impact has been staggering, with reconstruction costs equivalent to an estimated 41% of Jamaica’s GDP. Airport operator data revealed a 524,000-passenger decline in 2025—the largest annual drop since the pandemic—amplified by additional challenges including U.S. travel advisories and shifting immigration policies.

    Despite these setbacks, Bartlett struck an optimistic note regarding long-term prospects. The ministry has established revised targets aiming for eight million visitors and US$10 billion in earnings by 2030, supported by an undiminished investment pipeline. Multiple major developments are advancing, including the 500-room Unico property (mid-2025 opening), Palladium Hanover, Moon Palace Grand, and the luxury Pinnacle multi-tower project.

    Crucially, resilience has become central to Jamaica’s tourism strategy. New constructions will incorporate enhanced building standards, reinforced roofing systems, and improved utility redundancies to withstand future climate and seismic events. Bartlett emphasized that investor confidence remains strong despite recent challenges, signaling enduring faith in Jamaica’s position as a premier Caribbean destination.

  • Parliamentary committee to deliberate on jury vs bench trials

    Parliamentary committee to deliberate on jury vs bench trials

    The Jamaican Parliament is poised to establish a Joint Select Committee (JSC) to conduct a comprehensive review of the nation’s judicial framework, specifically examining the contentious debate between jury trials and bench trials. This initiative, announced by Justice Minister Delroy Chuck, will follow the ongoing parliamentary debate on amendments to the Jury Act.

    The proposed legislative changes, tabled in the House of Representatives, include a substantial increase in juror compensation from $2,000 to $6,000 per day. Additionally, individuals participating in the jury selection process would receive a daily stipend of $2,000. Another significant amendment would grant judges the authority to dismiss juries when evidence of jury tampering emerges, a power currently absent in Jamaican jurisprudence but established in other Commonwealth jurisdictions like England and Wales.

    Minister Chuck emphasized that this parliamentary review represents a pivotal development in Jamaica’s legal evolution. “Recognizing that jury trials have been a hallmark of our justice system, this is a matter that Parliament should decide on, taking into account the suggestions and recommendations from all stakeholders within the justice system, and the wider public,” Chuck stated.

    The impetus for this judicial examination stems from the staggering backlog of over 3,000 criminal cases awaiting trial in Supreme and Circuit courts. Chief Justice Bryan Sykes has previously advocated for increased utilization of bench trials as a strategic approach to alleviate court congestion, a position that has gained traction within legal circles.

    Minister Chuck clarified that neither infrastructure limitations nor judicial shortages account for these delays, noting that both judge appointments and prosecutor numbers have significantly increased over the past decade. The government’s comprehensive review included comparative analysis of international jurisdictions to determine optimal procedures for addressing jury tampering concerns.

    The issue gained renewed urgency following the UK Privy Council’s 2024 decision to overturn the murder conviction of dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, which cited jury tampering as a contributing factor. This case highlighted the jurisdictional gap in Jamaican law regarding judicial authority to address compromised juries.

    The forthcoming parliamentary committee will solicit input from legal professionals, justice sector stakeholders, and the general public to determine whether Jamaica should maintain, modify, or potentially abolish its jury trial system in favor of exclusive bench trials.

  • UHWI calls in fraud squad

    UHWI calls in fraud squad

    A devastating audit from Jamaica’s Auditor General’s Department (AGD) has exposed systemic corruption at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), revealing massive procurement violations and fraudulent misuse of tax-exempt privileges that cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. The hospital’s board has now reported these findings to police fraud investigators and Jamaica Customs following the official tabling of the report in Parliament.

    The comprehensive audit, covering fiscal years 2019-2020 through 2024-2025, uncovered what investigators termed “considerable deficiencies” in the hospital’s governance, procurement, and contract management systems. These failures, the AGD warned, created significant corruption risks that could ultimately compromise the institution’s ability to deliver quality healthcare services if not urgently addressed.

    Among the most damaging findings was UHWI’s systematic abuse of its tax-exempt status to import goods for four private companies. Customs records showed items including office furniture, laundry equipment, and medical supplies falsely declared as hospital imports but actually acquired by private entities. This scheme resulted in $23.1 million in losses, with over $20 million in unpaid import duties constituting clear violations of Jamaica’s Customs Act.

    The breakdown revealed staggering specifics: $28 million in laundry equipment imported for Private Company 1 created $6.6 million in revenue losses; $40.6 million in office furniture and medical equipment benefited Private Companies 2 and 3; while 40 waste bins valued at $6.6 million were imported for Private Company 4, which then sold them back to UHWI for $11 million.

    Equally troubling were procurement irregularities involving 51 contracts totaling $521 million awarded to 10 contractors and one consultant without proper documentation. The audit found no evidence that these transactions met standards for transparency, accountability, or value for money. Particularly egregious were “after-the-fact” procurement processes where suppliers were invited to bid for goods and services already delivered, corrupting the competitive process entirely.

    In response, the UHWI board has initiated a comprehensive review of all procurement systems, mandated regularisation or suspension of affected arrangements, and reinforced oversight mechanisms. CEO Dr. Kevin Allen has been granted three months leave to facilitate independent investigations, with Eric Hosin, former Guardian Life Jamaica CEO, appointed as interim leader.

    The hospital management has acknowledged these practices violated public trust and procurement laws, confirming they’ve ceased facilitating imports for private entities. However, the scale of mismanagement suggests a long road to accountability and reform lies ahead for Jamaica’s premier medical institution.