Carib Scope

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  • PM pays tribute to ‘dearest sister’ Dr Daphne Phillips-Gaskin

    PM pays tribute to ‘dearest sister’ Dr Daphne Phillips-Gaskin

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar delivered a heartfelt tribute to former UNC senator Dr. Daphne Phillips-Gaskin during her funeral service on December 17 at the Trinidadian Christian Centre in Petit Valley, commemorating the life and contributions of the 82-year-old public servant who passed away on December 3.

    In her eulogy, Persad-Bissessar characterized Phillips-Gaskin as both a distinguished scholar and devoted public servant who operated consistently according to conscience and principle. The Prime Minister reflected on their shared journey in national leadership, noting how Phillips-Gaskin remained steadfastly at her side ‘like a sister’ throughout their political careers.

    Phillips-Gaskin’s remarkable trajectory began in Belmont, where she developed early foundations in compassion through her training as a nurse and midwife. Her academic pursuits at the University of the West Indies, culminating in a doctoral scholarship in sociology, profoundly shaped her commitment to gender equality and community empowerment.

    As a senior lecturer, Phillips-Gaskin maintained that education carried inherent obligations—believing knowledge should fundamentally uplift and strengthen communities. This philosophy guided her transition into government service, where she served as senator and Cabinet Minister during the 1995-2001 UNC administrations.

    Persad-Bissessar highlighted Phillips-Gaskin’s pioneering work in shaping a more humane national agenda, particularly noting her bravery in challenging political norms. ‘Some of the men did not have the belly to do what she did back in the days,’ the Prime Minister remarked, acknowledging the additional barriers faced by women in leadership during that era.

    Phillips-Gaskin’s legacy includes substantial advancements in gender policy, strengthened protections against domestic violence, and championing family law reform. Her leadership enabled thousands of women to gain skills, training, and employment opportunities through programs grounded in her belief in their capacity for self-sufficiency.

    In November 2000, Phillips-Gaskin assumed the responsibility of acting Prime Minister, discharging her duties with what Persad-Bissessar described as ‘calm authority and restraint.’ Her loyalty to the UNC remained principled and enduring, demonstrated notably during a critical moment in 2010 when she stood publicly with the Prime Minister at personal cost.

    The Prime Minister concluded that Phillips-Gaskin’s legacy endures through the laws she shaped, the women she empowered, the families she protected, and the exemplary standards she established for public service.

  • US donates equipment to prison service

    US donates equipment to prison service

    In a significant enhancement to bilateral law enforcement cooperation, the United States Embassy has delivered substantial equipment and facility upgrades to the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service’s Canine Unit. The formal handover ceremony occurred on December 17 at the Youth Transformation and Rehabilitation Centre (YTRC), marking another milestone in the ongoing partnership between the two nations.

    The equipment donation encompasses specialized tools including a Stihl mist blower with gas canister, Stihl brush cutter with harness, electric pressure washer, canine training equipment including flirt poles and Starmark fetch balls, Kong Classic toys in multiple sizes, and washable dog pads. These resources are designed to enhance the operational capabilities and animal welfare standards of the canine unit.

    A notable achievement unveiled during the ceremony was the completion of a purpose-built whelping facility, constructed by Prison Service personnel using materials funded through US Embassy support. This new breeding infrastructure enables the unit to develop its own lineage of working dogs, reducing dependency on external procurement and creating potential for specialized training programs.

    Further enhancements included the comprehensive refurbishment of two canine transport vehicles, significantly improving the unit’s mobility and operational readiness for various security scenarios.

    The ceremony was attended by Prison Commissioner Carlos Corraspe alongside Deputy Commissioners Hayden Forde, Curtis Guy, and Elvin Scanterbury. The US delegation featured Kelley Whitson, Chief of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, accompanied by Saleem Boochoon and Nathan Johnson. Debbie Jacob, a longstanding advocate for prison rehabilitation initiatives, also participated.

    Commissioner Corraspe highlighted the canine unit as “one of the pockets of excellence” within the prison system and emphasized the strategic importance of the international partnership. He reminded officers of their critical role in national security, urging continued pursuit of operational excellence.

    Ms. Whitson reaffirmed her office’s commitment to sustained collaboration, while Mr. Boochoon praised the unit’s professional standards and expressed optimism about future joint initiatives.

    Concurrently, the Prison Service launched a new rehabilitative program where YTRC residents receive instruction in canine care and treatment. This initiative provides practical vocational skills aligned with the center’s mission to prepare individuals for successful reintegration into society.

  • MPs swamped with requests for Xmas aid

    MPs swamped with requests for Xmas aid

    Trinidad is experiencing an unprecedented surge in requests for basic necessities as Christmas approaches, with Members of Parliament across the island reporting overwhelming demand for food assistance from struggling constituents. The situation has created a critical humanitarian challenge during what should be a season of celebration.

    Opposition Leader and Arima MP Pennelope Beckles revealed that her office has received thousands of assistance requests, far exceeding normal volumes. “Constituents and citizens from all corners of the island have reached out seeking assistance,” Beckles stated, “many sharing painful stories of job losses in 2025 and the daily challenges they now face.” She attributed the increased visibility partly to her new role as Opposition Leader but emphasized that the scale of need represents a genuine crisis.

    Multiple parliamentarians confirmed they are distributing food hampers and vouchers despite receiving no official allocations for such assistance. Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young connected the heightened demand directly to government workforce reductions: “Since June when the government fired Cepep workers and began firing other workers who are amongst some of the most vulnerable.”

    The assistance requests extend beyond food to include rent, medical expenses, employment opportunities, and child support. Port of Spain South MP Keith Scotland reported demand has doubled compared to last year, while Diego Martin West MP Hans De Vignes noted “significant and more than usual demand for assistance given all job losses.”

    Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales highlighted the compounding effect of reduced donor capacity: “Traditional donors are unable to provide assistance and my constituency office does not have the kind of resources to meet the growing demand.” He emphasized that thousands who lost their jobs in government programs are facing “the worse Christmas of their lives.”

    Government MPs including Oropouche East’s Dr. Roodal Moonilal and La Brea’s Clyde Elder are conducting distribution drives with corporate support, while Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo reported distributing food cards provided by the Prime Minister’s office alongside toy deliveries to children.

    The crisis appears likely to extend beyond the holiday season, with Beckles noting she has historically continued support into January when financial pressures typically intensify for vulnerable families.

  • PM washes hands of US blockade of Venezuela

    PM washes hands of US blockade of Venezuela

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has explicitly stated that Trinidad and Tobago maintains no involvement in the United States’ recently announced naval blockade targeting Venezuelan oil tankers. The Caribbean leader emphasized that her nation’s partnership with the US strictly focuses on domestic security concerns rather than international sanctions enforcement.

    Speaking to journalists following a funeral service in Petit Valley on December 17, Persad-Bissessar clarified her government’s position: “TT is about TT first. Our partnership with the US is about TT safety and security here. Those are issues for the Trump administration and for the US. TT is no part of that blockade.”

    The Prime Minister’s comments came shortly after President Donald Trump declared the blockade via social media platform X, citing Venezuela’s designation as a “foreign terrorist organization” due to alleged asset theft, terrorism, drug smuggling, and human trafficking activities.

    Despite distancing herself from the Venezuela blockade, Persad-Bissessar expressed satisfaction with the US security partnership’s outcomes, noting a reduction of 240 murders compared to the previous year and recent drug seizures exceeding $200 million value. These successes, attributed to advanced radar technology deployed in Tobago, form the basis of the government’s continued cooperation with US anti-narcotics operations.

    The Venezuelan government has vehemently condemned Trump’s blockade announcement, with Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López dismissing the statements as “delusional” and accusing the US of attempting to control Venezuela’s natural resources. “It’s not about narcoterrorism,” López asserted. “It’s all about the oil.”

    International support for Venezuela has emerged from multiple nations including Russia, China, Cuba, Colombia, and Iran. The Iranian government characterized the blockade as “state piracy and armed robbery at sea,” while Russia warned of potential unprecedented consequences for the Western Hemisphere.

    Diplomatic efforts are underway to mitigate tensions, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urging UN intervention and offering Mexico as neutral ground for potential US-Venezuela negotiations. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva similarly advocated for dialogue between the nations.

    Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez reinforced her country’s position via Telegram, emphasizing that Venezuela’s energy resources would never again be controlled by foreign powers: “We will never again be an energy colony of anyone or any foreign power that dreams of stealing our riches.”

  • Encore to a great soul

    Encore to a great soul

    Jamaica convened a national celebration of life on Wednesday for reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness leading tributes to the late musician hailed as one of the nation’s most significant cultural ambassadors. The ceremony at Kingston’s National Indoor Centre honored Cliff—born James Chambers—who passed away on November 24, 2025, at age 81, leaving a legacy that transcended musical genres and national boundaries.

    Prime Minister Holness eulogized Cliff as more than an entertainer, characterizing him as a transformative messenger who projected Jamaica’s narrative of struggle, resilience, and beauty to global audiences. ‘Jimmy Cliff did not merely entertain the world; he uplifted the world,’ Holness stated, emphasizing how the artist’s authentic representation instilled pride in his compatriots and inspired generations.

    The service notably proceeded without traditional mortuary elements—no coffin or urn was present—symbolizing the enduring nature of Cliff’s influence. Opposition Leader Mark Golding joined in homage, recalling Cliff’s iconic performance during Jamaica’s 1988 World Cup qualifying campaign that electrified the National Stadium and became part of the nation’s collective memory.

    Cliff’s career trajectory saw early fame in 1960s Jamaican music before his starring role in the 1972 film ‘The Harder They Come’ catapulted him to international recognition. His accolades included Jamaica’s Order of Merit (2003), Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction (2010), and a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album (2012). The state-sanctioned funeral featured musical tributes from artists including Tessanne Chin, while photographic displays and national symbols underscored Cliff’s monumental cultural impact.

  • A fitting musical farewell

    A fitting musical farewell

    Jamaica’s National Indoor Sports Centre in St Andrew transformed into a vibrant celebration of life on Wednesday, honoring reggae luminary Jimmy Cliff in a memorial service radiating the same optimism that defined his legendary career. The three-hour tribute united politicians, musicians, and fans worldwide in a profound farewell to the singer-songwriter who passed away on November 24 at age 81.

    Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding delivered heartfelt eulogies, emphasizing Cliff’s enduring humility despite global fame. Holness reflected on the artist’s birth name James Chambers and his unwavering connection to rural Jamaican roots, noting how anthems like ‘Many Rivers To Cross’ and ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’ transcended entertainment to become “affirmations of dignity, resilience, and belief in possibility.”

    Golding highlighted Cliff’s groundbreaking role in the seminal film ‘The Harder They Come,’ recognizing how his “natural, authentic, and convincing” performance as Ivan introduced Jamaican culture to international audiences and ensured the film’s timeless legacy.

    The emotional core emerged through family tributes, with widow Latifa Chambers and children Aken and Lilty expressing the artist’s profound love for humanity and homeland. Lilty joined musicians Chris McDonald and Dwight Richards in a moving performance of ‘Moving On,’ showcasing the musical dynasty Cliff nurtured.

    Musical tributes spanned Cliff’s extensive catalog, from Tony Rebel’s powerful rendition of ‘Vietnam’ to Tessanne Chin’s soaring interpretation of ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ from the Cool Runnings soundtrack. The National Dance Theatre Company and Tivoli Dance Troupe transformed classics into choreographic art, while Richie Spice, Beenie Man, and Nadine Sutherland contributed celebratory performances.

    The service concluded with Prime Minister Holness presenting the Chambers family with an official Jamaican flag, symbolizing the nation’s gratitude for the Somerton-born boy who became a global ambassador of reggae music and Jamaican culture.

  • Support us!

    Support us!

    Jamaica’s prestigious coffee sector is navigating a complex recovery path as government initiatives face scrutiny from growers who argue that current support levels remain insufficient. The Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) recently distributed 5,000 bags of fertilizer valued at $35 million to coffee farmers, representing part of a broader $120 million intervention package jointly funded by the agency and the national government.

    This assistance falls under the Coffee Crop Resuscitation and Establishment Programme (CREP), a five-year strategy designed to establish nurseries and facilitate widespread replanting across both Blue Mountain and High Mountain coffee regions. JACRA’s acting director general Wayne Hunter confirmed the readiness of 10,000 seedlings for High Mountain varieties and an additional 15,000 planting materials for Blue Mountain cultivation, scheduled for distribution during the April planting season.

    Despite these measures, Jamaica Coffee Growers Association President Donald Salmon expressed concerns about the pace and scale of support. “While we appreciate what we get from the Government… I don’t want to sound greedy, but we need much more. It is significant assistance, but the farmers are really hurting,” Salmon stated during the handover ceremony.

    The industry has endured consecutive challenges from extreme weather events, including a devastating blow from Category 5 Hurricane Melissa on October 28. Preliminary estimates from Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association Chairman Norman Grant indicate losses reaching $1 billion, with accumulated deficits totaling $2.5 billion.

    Agriculture Minister Floyd Green acknowledged the need for urgent CREP reforms, noting that the program required enhancement even before the hurricane’s impact. The government has allocated approximately $100 million specifically for coffee sector recovery, with focused attention on providing farming materials identified as critical needs by growers.

    Minister Green revealed innovative approaches to addressing infrastructure challenges, stating: “The coffee roads require, in my view, a separate program.” The ministry is collaborating with the National Works Agency to develop cost estimates for specialized road rehabilitation in coffee-growing regions, recognizing the unique engineering demands of the mountainous terrain.

    Salmon advocated for additional measures including revived insurance schemes for climate-vulnerable farmers and technological modernization of farming practices. He emphasized the global reputation of Jamaican coffee while highlighting structural challenges: “The farmers who produce 80% are either squatters, have no land title, are very small and capital starved.”

    The association president concluded with a stark reminder of the industry’s foundation: “Without the coffee growers and the farmers there’s no JACRA for coffee. No exporter. So support us.”

  • Cold shoulder

    Cold shoulder

    A groundbreaking initiative in Jamaica designed to rehabilitate young offenders is encountering substantial obstacles, with pervasive social stigma and administrative failures creating significant barriers to successful reintegration. The Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) rights advocacy group, in its recent report ‘A Civil Society Review of the Diversion and Alternative Measures for Children in Conflict with the Law in Jamaica,’ reveals that children completing the Ministry of Justice’s Child Diversion Programme face severe stigmatization when attempting to return to their educational institutions.

    The program, operational since January 2020 under the progressive Child Diversion Act of 2018, aims to divert juveniles from traditional criminal justice pathways through alternative interventions. However, the very institutions meant to support these youth are frequently contributing to their marginalization. Schools and peers routinely label participants as ‘delinquents,’ particularly those whose original offenses involved sexual activity under age 16 or assault, resulting in profound social exclusion that undermines the program’s rehabilitative objectives.

    Beyond social stigma, the JFJ identifies critical systemic failures impairing the program’s effectiveness. Parental disengagement and bureaucratic delays in issuing completion certificates create additional hurdles for school re-enrollment. The absence of comprehensive reoffending data further complicates assessment of long-term outcomes, while a concerning 13% of participants either fail to complete or are returned to referral sites.

    Statistics reveal sobering completion rates: of 1,517 referrals between 2020 and January 2024, only 690 children (45%) successfully finished the program. Non-compliance reasons range from inability to locate children and court withdrawals to parental non-support and conflicting school commitments.

    The JFJ emphasizes that even frontline personnel demonstrate inadequate awareness of the program’s provisions, with only 48% of police and school resource officers familiar with the Child Diversion Act. Many continue relying on informal cautioning rather than formal diversion referrals, despite the program’s demonstrated rehabilitative benefits.

    While acknowledging the program’s significant potential for addressing juvenile delinquency and reducing recidivism, the JFJ calls for urgent interventions: enhanced inter-ministerial coordination between Justice and Education ministries, comprehensive training for school administrators, partnership with NGOs for community-based mentorship, and resolution of critical shortages in mental health professionals and social workers.

    Contextualizing the urgency, Jamaica Constabulary Force data shows children aged 12-17 were implicated in 875 major crimes from 2018-2021, with 710 arrested for serious offenses including murder, shooting incidents, and sexual assaults in the 2022-2024 period. Sexual offenses alone accounted for over half of the 730 felonies committed by juveniles during this timeframe.

  • UNDERDOGS NO MORE

    UNDERDOGS NO MORE

    In a stunning display of athletic prowess and strategic execution, Jamaica’s national basketball team has emerged as an unexpected powerhouse in the FIBA Americas World Cup Qualifiers. Under the leadership of American coach Rick Turner, a former NBA executive appointed in December 2019, the Jamaican squad has transformed from international underdogs to legitimate contenders on the global basketball stage.

    The breakthrough moment arrived during their opening group games against Puerto Rico, where the ‘Jamrockers’ secured consecutive victories despite being the lowest-ranked team in their group and missing Miami Heat star Norman Powell. These remarkable wins in San Juan propelled Jamaica to four points, tying them with basketball powerhouse Canada at the top of their qualifying group standings. The top three teams from each group will advance to the final qualification round.

    Turner revealed to the Jamaica Observer that these victories represent more than just statistical achievements: “These two games showed us that we belong and that the things we’ve been doing weren’t just pie-in-the-sky wishes but were things that as a staff and organization we believed in.” The coach emphasized that while Jamaican athletes naturally possess confidence, these wins provided crucial validation of their competitive capabilities at the international level.

    The team’s journey has been anything but straightforward. Turner’s initial years were hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, creating what he described as a “purgatory” situation where Jamaica couldn’t improve its ranking without playing games, but couldn’t qualify for games without a better ranking. Their current qualification opportunity emerged through what Turner characterizes as “sort of lucky” circumstances, when FIBA unexpectedly notified the Jamaica Basketball Association of their eligibility for pre-qualifiers just hours after Turner and association president Paulton Gordon had discussed their frustrating predicament.

    Despite their current success, Turner maintains a pragmatic perspective: “We did win two games in Puerto Rico that we probably weren’t the favorites for, but the road now just seems even more difficult.” The coach highlighted challenging upcoming fixtures against The Bahamas (February 26) and Canada (March 1), noting that their opponents will be fighting with increased desperation as qualification hopes hang in the balance.

    Turner credits the team’s rapid development to the extraordinary commitment of players who have compressed years of development into intensive training camps. “Our players were focused from the time they landed in San Juan, knowing what the job was and knowing the importance of putting their best foot forward against a team that was really, really good,” he noted, praising their ability to absorb complex strategies within limited preparation time.

    The Jamaican basketball program’s dramatic evolution under Turner’s leadership represents one of international sports’ most compelling turnaround stories, demonstrating how strategic vision, player dedication, and fortunate timing can converge to create athletic excellence against all odds.

  • CHRISTMAS @ One Park

    CHRISTMAS @ One Park

    This holiday season, One Park Restaurant and Lounge invites patrons to indulge in an exquisite culinary celebration with the launch of its specially curated Christmas menu. Under the creative direction of Head Chef Judah Ellis, the establishment presents three distinct gourmet offerings designed to deliver both festive joy and robust flavors for discerning meat enthusiasts.

    The gastronomic experience commences with the King’s Christmas Roast, a majestic dish centered around premium Wagyu striploin. This centerpiece is accompanied by an innovative truffle brioche pudding and elevated with a distinctive guava red wine jus, served alongside tender broccolini.

    Following this royal offering is the Jerk Duck A L’Orange Royal, which reimagines a classic dish through a Caribbean lens. The crispy jerk duck receives a sophisticated tamarind orange glaze enhancement, complemented by sweet potato fondant and finished with artisanal cacao nibs for textural contrast.

    Completing the triumvirate of holiday specialties is the Crown Jewel Lamb Rack. This creation features herb-crusted lamb elevated by a sorrel mint demi-glaze, accompanied by breadfruit gratin and aromatic rosemary accents.

    Beyond the culinary offerings, the beverage program presents two signature cocktails crafted for the season. The Hibiscus Spritz offers floral notes while the Very Merry Fizz provides effervescent celebration in a glass. These carefully conceived libations provide perfect complements to Chef Ellis’s holiday creations, ensuring a comprehensive festive dining experience at One Park Restaurant and Lounge.