Carib Scope

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  • Trinidad and Tobago teams gear up for Jewels of the Caribbean

    Trinidad and Tobago teams gear up for Jewels of the Caribbean

    Trinidad and Tobago prepares to showcase its emerging female football talent as the DecembHER Football – Jewels of the Caribbean tournament returns from December 15-21. The annual competition will feature both under-17 and under-20 categories, with host nation TT fielding two teams in each division alongside regional rivals Jamaica and United States-based club Indy Premier.

    Multiple venues across Trinidad will host matches throughout the week-long event, including the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, and Sangre Grande recreation ground. The tournament culminates with both category finals scheduled for December 21 at Hasely Crawford Stadium.

    The competition begins with TT’s under-17 teams facing Indy Premier and Jamaica in a December 15 double-header at Hasely Crawford Stadium, while the under-20 squads open their campaign with similar fixtures at Ato Boldon Stadium on December 16. Following round-robin play, the top two teams from each category will advance to the championship matches.

    Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards emphasized the tournament’s significance, stating: “Hosting Jewels of the Caribbean reflects our commitment to raising women’s football standards and providing meaningful international competition for our young female athletes. This represents an exciting period for TTFA as we continue growing programs that inspire the nation.”

    The tournament holds particular importance as preparation for TT’s upcoming 2026 Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers scheduled for January 24-February 2. Trinidad and Tobago will compete in Group F alongside Barbados, Curacao, El Salvador, and Guadeloupe, with the top six group winners and two best second-place teams advancing to join regionally ranked powerhouses Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the United States in the final round.

    Historical context adds drama to this year’s competition: In the 2023 under-17 tournament, TT claimed victory with a 2-0 win over St Vincent and the Grenadines powered by Orielle Martin’s brace. The talented attacking midfielder continued her impressive form in the 2024 under-20 edition, scoring six goals to claim the golden boot award despite TT’s 2-1 finals loss to Jamaica.

    Team selections for TT’s Jewels of the Caribbean squads are expected to be finalized before week’s end, marking the beginning of an intensive period of development for the country’s rising female football stars.

  • Operations HQ lift inaugural Valiance 3×3 basketball crown

    Operations HQ lift inaugural Valiance 3×3 basketball crown

    In a nail-biting championship finale, Operations HQ secured the inaugural Valiance 3×3 Inter-Station Basketball Competition title with a hard-fought 5-4 victory over Port of Spain Prison on December 5. The thrilling conclusion unfolded at the Youth Transformation and Rehabilitation Centre (YTRC) Gymnasium, showcasing exceptional defensive prowess from both finalists.

    Tournament standout Michael Straker earned Most Valuable Player honors after delivering an impressive 24-point performance throughout the competition. The championship game saw Straker account for all five of his team’s points, demonstrating remarkable composure under pressure.

    The title match was characterized by strategic, deliberate play with both teams implementing disciplined defensive structures. Scoring opportunities proved scarce throughout the intense matchup, with each possession carrying significant weight. Operations HQ ultimately created a decisive late-game advantage to claim the historic victory.

    In the third-place playoff, host team YTRC delivered a resilient performance despite losing a key player to injury. The squad demonstrated exceptional collective effort and late-game composure to edge Garage 10-9 in another tightly contested battle.

    The two-day tournament (December 4-5) featured eight teams representing various divisions within the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service. Following group stage matches on the opening day, all teams advanced to the knockout bracket phase.

    Assistant Commissioner of Prisons Ricardo Dass praised the event’s success, noting strong participation and engagement levels that met organizational objectives. He indicated the tournament has potential to become an annual fixture, possibly with multiple editions each year to support staff wellness and national qualification ambitions.

    Final tournament standings placed Operations HQ first, followed by Port of Spain Prison, Youth Transformation and Rehabilitation Centre, Garage, Administration, Golden Grove Prison, Maximum Security Prison, and Operations.

  • Steelpan Titans crush Soca Strikers by five wickets in U23 Cup

    Steelpan Titans crush Soca Strikers by five wickets in U23 Cup

    In a rescheduled second-round encounter of the Cricket West Indies/Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board Under-23 Cup, Steelpan Titans clinched their inaugural tournament victory with a commanding five-wicket triumph over Soca Strikers Under-19. The match unfolded on December 9 at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva.

    Batting first after being sent in, Soca Strikers posted a competitive total of 144/9 within their allotted 28 overs. Their innings was propelled by aggressive batting displays from Darius Battoosingh, who smashed a rapid-fire 47 runs from merely 27 deliveries, and opener Salem Khan, who contributed a steady 43 from 49 balls.

    The Titans’ bowling attack proved exceptionally effective in containing the Strikers’ batting lineup. Calvin Loubon emerged as the standout performer, claiming an impressive four wickets for just 20 runs. Nick Ramlal demonstrated his all-round capabilities by securing three crucial wickets for 17 runs, while pace bowler Jane Agard supported effectively with two dismissals for 22 runs.

    In response, Steelpan Titans reached the victory target of 146 runs with five wickets in hand, achieving the total in just 26.3 overs. The chase was masterfully anchored by Nick Ramlal, who remained not out on a match-winning 56 runs. He received valuable support from opening batsman Riyaad Mohammed, who added 32 runs to the tally, and Jayden Kent, who contributed 20 runs to the successful pursuit.

    For the previously unbeaten Soca Strikers U19, this defeat marks their first loss in two matches. Their bowling efforts were led by Daron Dhanraj, who took two wickets for 13 runs, and Renaldo Fournillier, who captured two wickets for 31 runs.

    The U23 Cup competition continues on December 10 with third-round fixtures, featuring Steelpan Titans facing Scarlet Blazers at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, while Soca Strikers U19 will seek redemption against Cocrico Warriors at the National Cricket Centre.

  • Nakhid optimistic ahead of 2030 World Cup campaign

    Nakhid optimistic ahead of 2030 World Cup campaign

    Following Trinidad and Tobago’s unsuccessful bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport David Nakhid has called for comprehensive rebuilding efforts to secure qualification for the 2030 tournament. The national team finished third in their CONCACAF group behind Jamaica and Curaçao, with the latter securing automatic qualification to the 2026 World Cup hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

    Trinidad and Tobago’s football history shows only one World Cup appearance at the 2006 tournament in Germany, making the recent qualification failure particularly disappointing for the football-loving nation. Jamaica remains in contention through the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March.

    In statements made outside parliament on December 9, Nakhid emphasized the necessity for structural improvements: “We must persevere and rebuild. As a nation with strong football traditions, our recent performance was inadequate. We cannot afford to consistently miss World Cup cycles. With proper development pathways and synchronization between our efforts and the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association’s vision, we can realistically target 2030 qualification.”

    Nakhid, who serves as parliamentary secretary at the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, acknowledged some progress under current coach Dwight Yorke, who assumed leadership in November 2024 with the specific objective of World Cup qualification. However, Nakhid noted that the TTFA must evaluate whether the results achieved under Yorke’s tenure met expectations.

    The future of Yorke’s leadership remains uncertain with only six months remaining on his contract, raising questions about whether he will continue to guide the team through the rebuilding phase or if new leadership will be sought to pursue the 2030 qualification campaign.

  • Tragic domestic violence incidents spark outrage

    Tragic domestic violence incidents spark outrage

    Trinidad and Tobago faces a devastating surge in gender-based violence as the nation grapples with three separate femicide cases within two weeks, exposing critical failures in domestic violence protection systems. The recent tragedies have sparked national outrage and forced government officials to confront systemic inadequacies in safeguarding vulnerable women.

    The violence culminated with the December 8th murder of Angel Lutchman, a 42-year-old mother of two from Claxton Bay, who was brutally killed by her ex-boyfriend despite having an active restraining order against him. Shazard Mohammed, 29, allegedly stabbed and slit Lutchman’s throat before dying by suicide. The victim’s 12-year-old son made the horrific discovery upon returning home from a relative’s house.

    This tragedy follows the November 23rd murder-suicide involving UNC councillor Romona Victor, 36, killed by her husband Rodney Ramsumair, 45, at their Siparia residence. Just days later on December 7th, Nicole Ovid, 56, was found dead on a pavement in St. James following an alleged altercation with an acquaintance who subsequently surrendered to police.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who had previously vowed to strengthen crisis support systems at Victor’s funeral, now faces mounting criticism. When questioned about concrete plans to address violence against women, the Prime Minister stated she had requested information from Gender Affairs Minister Vandana Mohit but provided no specific timeline or strategy.

    Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander acknowledged fundamental flaws in the restraining order system, admitting: ‘I have always said that the programme does not work well. We are taking a look at it to see how best we can treat with it.’ He emphasized the need for educational initiatives starting at school level to address domestic violence prevention.

    Opposition leader Mickela Panday delivered a powerful social media statement condemning the cultural acceptance of gender-based violence. The attorney and daughter of former prime minister Basdeo Panday highlighted how ‘coercive control, monitoring, threats, financial manipulation, and isolation break a woman down until she doubts her own reality.’ She criticized victim-blaming tendencies and demanded perpetrator accountability, urging police to treat every report with urgency and properly enforce protection orders.

    Panday proposed comprehensive reforms including increased safe houses, financial support for women escaping abusive relationships, strengthened laws, rehabilitation programs for abusers, and relationship education in schools to break the intergenerational cycle of violence.

    As autopsies for Lutchman and Ovid proceed at the Forensic Science Centre, investigations continue while the nation confronts its gendered violence epidemic that has left multiple families shattered and communities demanding immediate action.

  • PM: Acting WASA CEO is Dain Maharaj

    PM: Acting WASA CEO is Dain Maharaj

    In a significant development within Trinidad and Tobago’s public utility sector, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has officially confirmed the appointment of Dain Maharaj as the interim Chief Executive Officer of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA). The announcement came during the December 9 parliamentary session in response to pointed inquiries from Arouca/Lopinot opposition MP Marvin Gonzales.

    During the House of Representatives proceedings, the Prime Minister provided definitive clarification regarding the leadership transition at the state-owned water authority. “The individual designated to serve as acting CEO of WASA is Mr. Dain Maharaj, who remains a current employee of the organization,” Persad-Bissessar stated authoritatively.

    The parliamentary exchange grew notably contentious when Gonzales questioned the circumstances surrounding the departure of former CEO Jeevan Joseph, who had held the position for approximately five months. The Prime Minister firmly rejected the premise of the questioning, asserting that no administrative leave had been imposed regarding the previous acting CEO.

    “The previous interim CEO tendered a resignation based entirely on personal considerations,” Persad-Bissessar clarified. “Therefore, the foundational assumption of your inquiry is fundamentally inaccurate.” This response highlighted the government’s position that the leadership transition occurred through voluntary resignation rather than administrative action.

    The appointment comes at a critical juncture for WASA, which faces ongoing challenges in water distribution and infrastructure management across Trinidad and Tobago. Maharaj’s internal promotion suggests continuity within the organization’s operational framework during this transitional period.

  • Race to intercol glory: Signal Hill plot revenge over league champs ‘Naps’

    Race to intercol glory: Signal Hill plot revenge over league champs ‘Naps’

    A highly anticipated showdown between two football powerhouses will culminate at Couva’s Ato Boldon Stadium on December 10 as Signal Hill Secondary confronts Naparima College in the 2025 Coca-Cola SSFL boys’ national intercol final. The match represents a classic underdog versus champion narrative, with Tobago’s Signal Hill attempting to replicate their 2010 triumph against the same opponents while ending a 15-year trophy drought.

    Naparima College enters the final as firm favorites, having recently secured their fifth premier division title since 2014 with a narrow 2-1 victory over Signal Hill just two weeks prior. That November 27 encounter saw Naparima establish an early 2-0 advantage through goals from Sebastian James and prolific Tobago-born striker Riquelme Phillips before weathering a spirited Signal Hill comeback.

    Signal Hill coach Downie Marcelle acknowledges the challenge ahead, stating, “We must respect Naparima’s status as the league’s best team, but simultaneously believe in our capabilities. Our players demonstrate exceptional hunger for success in this final.” Marcelle’s squad advanced to the championship match with a hard-fought 1-0 semifinal victory against St Anthony’s College, courtesy of a 76th-minute goal from substitute Siel Mills.

    The Tobago team faces potential lineup complications as Mills battles hamstring discomfort that prevented him from training on December 9. Regardless of his availability, Marcelle has prepared tactical adjustments to counter Naparima’s offensive strengths, particularly focusing on containing wingers Jayden Caprietta and Arron Raymond while limiting space for Phillips.

    Naparima manager Percy Samlalsingh recognizes the emerging rivalry between the programs, noting, “The previous encounter demonstrated minimal separation between our squads. This final will ultimately be determined by which team commits fewer errors and capitalizes on scoring opportunities.” The southern school seeks their ninth national intercol title and first since 2018, with several Upper Six players including captain Jerrel Cooper, goalkeeper Adriano Baptiste, and midfielders Xarion France and Ryan Radellant aiming to conclude their SSFL careers with championship glory.

    This senior final initiates an unprecedented trilogy of championship meetings between the institutions, as they are scheduled to compete in both under-14 and under-16 national finals within the coming week, potentially establishing a new enduring rivalry in secondary schools football.

  • PM, 2 others cleared of privileges breaches

    PM, 2 others cleared of privileges breaches

    In a landmark ruling that has significant implications for parliamentary conduct standards, House Speaker Jagdeo Singh has dismissed multiple privilege complaints against Trinidad and Tobago’s political leadership, declaring one key motion against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar ‘stillborn.’

    The Speaker’s comprehensive decision, delivered during the December 9 parliamentary session, addressed three separate privilege motions filed by opposition members following heated exchanges in the November 21 sitting.

    Central to the ruling was the complaint brought by Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert against Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar. The controversy stemmed from an exchange where the PM told Imbert to ‘stop pointing at me,’ to which he responded ‘Why not?’ before Persad-Bissessar retorted, ‘Because I will cuff you down.’

    Speaker Singh invoked UK parliamentary precedent, emphasizing that privilege powers should only be exercised to protect members from ‘substantial interference’ with their official duties. He determined that the exchange constituted ‘light-hearted banter’ rather than a genuine threat, noting that laughter followed the interaction and no point of order was raised at the time.

    ‘The personal view of the member was irrelevant,’ Singh stated, adding that ‘mere words in themselves do not, ipso facto, constitute a breach of privilege.’

    The Speaker also dismissed a complaint by Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales based on alleged unparliamentary language from background audio in social media footage. Singh criticized the evidentiary standards, noting the absence of official Hansard records and the failure to raise objections during the actual proceedings.

    A third complaint by Couva South MP Barry Padarath alleging harassment was deemed ‘devoid of merit altogether’ for failing to meet procedural requirements.

    Singh expressed concern about the potential floodgates of ‘frivolous complaints’ if evidentiary standards were lowered, warning against allowing external parties to ‘scour every single second of parliamentary time for hot mic conversations.’

    The Speaker concluded with a call for heightened decorum, urging members to ‘exemplify productive and respectful debate’ and reminding them to turn off microphones during private conversations to avoid future controversies.

  • Fireworks Bill passes with unanimous support in House

    Fireworks Bill passes with unanimous support in House

    In a historic legislative move, Trinidad and Tobago’s House of Representatives has unanimously approved the Summary Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2025, establishing comprehensive regulations for fireworks usage through a permit system. The decisive 38-0 vote on December 9 marks a significant shift in public safety policy regarding explosive celebrations.

    Attorney General John Jeremie, championing the legislation, emphasized that fireworks represent more than celebratory items—they constitute serious explosive devices capable of causing substantial damage, injury, and even fatalities. The bill emerges from growing concerns over public safety incidents, including a recent tragedy involving a newborn’s death in October attributed to fireworks misuse.

    The legislation introduces a structured permit system administered by the Commissioner of Police, prohibiting individuals under 18 from obtaining permits. It mandates advance notification to the Fire Service 14 days prior to any fireworks display and establishes explicit restrictions regarding locations, specifying half-mile exclusion zones around hospitals, airports, zoos, animal shelters, farms, and protected natural areas.

    Notably, the bill preserves traditional celebration windows, allowing firework usage without permits on public holidays from 8-9 PM and on December 31 from 11:30 PM to 12:30 AM. Enforcement mechanisms include fixed penalty notices, with provisions for contesting tickets through the District Criminal and Traffic Court.

    The legislative process began in 2020 with a comprehensive law reform commission review, culminating in a 2021 draft that incorporated public feedback. A groundbreaking evidentiary provision allows video recordings from mobile devices as admissible evidence in enforcement cases.

    While opposition MP Symon De Nobriga expressed support for the bill, he raised concerns about enforcement practicality, potential video evidence manipulation, and the need for stronger regulations regarding fireworks sales to minors. He additionally highlighted possible conflicts with traditional celebration venues like Queen’s Park Savannah, which falls within restricted zones near medical facilities and the zoo.

    The legislation represents a balanced approach between cultural traditions and public safety, aiming to mitigate risks while preserving celebratory practices under controlled conditions.

  • Marina workers, residents raise safety concerns after Monos Island kidnapping — Peninsula of fear

    Marina workers, residents raise safety concerns after Monos Island kidnapping — Peninsula of fear

    The tranquil waters surrounding Trinidad’s Down D Islands have been shattered by anxiety as the three-day kidnapping ordeal of renowned 70-year-old boating expert Derek ‘Stones’ Tardieu and his wife Clarabelle continues unabated. The maritime community, once considered a safe haven, now grapples with unprecedented security concerns as authorities scramble to address systemic vulnerabilities.

    At Tardieu Marine Ltd in Chaguaramas, boatmen expressed profound unease about their exposure to criminal elements. ‘We operate without any meaningful protection,’ one marine worker revealed, drawing disturbing parallels to established extortion schemes in other coastal areas. ‘The pattern from Sea Lots, where boat owners face monthly payments to criminal entities, appears to be spreading to our waters.’

    The security vacuum stems from insufficient patrols by Coast Guard and Marine Police units, leaving workers fundamentally vulnerable. Despite having communication radios, the prohibition against firearms aboard vessels creates critical safety gaps. ‘When armed intruders board, our options vanish within seconds,’ another boatman explained. ‘The psychological toll is constant—we’re perpetually calculating risks in what was once our sanctuary.’

    Yohan Goviah, President of the Island Property Owners Association, articulated the community’s shaken confidence: ‘This incident forces us to reconsider our security paradigm. Our proximity to Venezuela and the porous maritime border create inherent challenges, while law enforcement agencies face resource constraints that limit 24/7 surveillance capabilities.’

    Investigative developments reveal sophisticated criminal tactics. The kidnappers communicated via a Colombian-numbered phone, demanding a $2.5 million ransom in a voice message from Tardieu. Subsequent social media circulation showed disturbing footage of the couple held at gunpoint with a military-grade M-26 grenade—a weapon variant produced in Colombia—pressed against Tardieu’s chest.

    Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander acknowledged institutional shortcomings: ‘We inherited limited assets for coastal protection, but are developing coordinated responses with defense counterparts.’ His comments referenced ongoing debates about maritime radar systems, particularly one installed in Tobago that failed to detect the kidnappers’ approach.

    The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has classified the investigation as high-priority, mobilizing specialized resources while urging media restraint to protect the victims’ safety. Western Division ACP Henry encouraged community reporting of extortion attempts, pledging immediate response to credible threats.

    As the search operation continues across the complex maritime border region, the incident has exposed fundamental security deficiencies in Trinidad’s coastal communities, raising urgent questions about sustainable protection strategies for vulnerable maritime populations.