Carib Scope

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  • Dealing with holiday grief: Tips for survivors struggling during the festive season

    Dealing with holiday grief: Tips for survivors struggling during the festive season

    As the festive season unfolds across Jamaica, a complex tapestry of emotions emerges in the shadow of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation. Communities both on the island and throughout the diaspora are confronting unprecedented challenges, balancing traditional holiday cheer with the profound grief stemming from loss of life, property, and livelihoods. This Christmas period presents a unique psychological landscape where joy and sorrow intersect, creating what mental health experts recognize as a necessary duality of human experience.

    The psychological impact of major natural disasters often manifests most acutely during traditionally celebratory periods. For those affected by Hurricane Melissa, the holiday season has become an exercise in emotional flexibility—where moments of sadness may naturally transition into feelings of comfort or gratitude without contradiction. Mental health professionals emphasize that there exists no prescribed method for navigating grief during festivities, though several evidence-based approaches can provide meaningful support.

    Seven strategic pathways offer guidance for coping during this difficult period:

    Emotional acknowledgment stands as the foundational step, with grief recognized as a multifaceted response to various losses beyond human life—including pets, economic stability, and personal possessions. Experts recommend permitting oneself to fully experience associated emotions like anger, jealousy, or anxiety without judgment, acknowledging their validity while avoiding excessive fixation.

    Advanced planning emerges as another critical strategy, particularly for those experiencing fresh grief. Establishing holiday arrangements beforehand alleviates decision-making pressure regarding celebrations, menus, and social engagements, creating mental space for necessary rest and reflection.

    Physical activity provides both physiological and psychological benefits, with daily movement—whether neighborhood walks, visits to meaningful locations, or simple social interactions—serving as therapeutic intervention. For those in severely damaged areas, consciously noting signs of resilience like budding vegetation or wildlife returning offers psychological anchoring.

    Memorialization practices create healing opportunities through remembrance rituals. Whether reviewing archival photographs, handling meaningful objects, or establishing new traditions, these acts can transform painful memories into sources of comfort and connection.

    Alcohol consumption requires particular vigilance during emotionally vulnerable periods. Mental health authorities warn against using alcohol as emotional avoidance mechanism, noting its potential to establish destructive patterns. Engaging accountability partners provides protective monitoring of consumption habits.

    Traditional flexibility remains essential, with permission granted to modify or abandon customary celebrations according to emotional capacity and practical circumstances. From solitary reflection to community service alternatives, the essence of holiday spirit demonstrates remarkable adaptability.

    Professional support serves as the final safeguard, with immediate assistance recommended for those experiencing overwhelming distress or potential harm. Jamaica’s mental health hotline (888-NEW-LIFE) stands available alongside existing therapeutic relationships for crisis intervention and coping strategy development.

  • Grange hails Jamaica bobsleigh team for strong North American Cup performance

    Grange hails Jamaica bobsleigh team for strong North American Cup performance

    Jamaica’s bobsleigh teams are generating significant momentum on the international circuit with multiple podium achievements in North American Cup competitions. The squad has demonstrated remarkable prowess in both men’s two-man and four-man events, capturing attention with their technical skill and competitive determination.

    Cultural Minister Olivia Grange publicly commended the athletes for their exceptional performances, particularly highlighting the four-man team’s gold-medal victory in Park City, Utah. Minister Grange emphasized how the team overcame substantial technical obstacles to claim the top position, describing their achievement as a testament to Jamaican resilience and athletic excellence.

    The success has positioned Jamaica favorably for qualification to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Brakeman Tyquendo Tracey expressed strong confidence in the team’s Olympic prospects, specifically praising pilot Shane Pitter for his consistent performance and exceptional speed, which have been crucial factors in the team’s recent accomplishments.

    Adding to the optimistic outlook, Olympian Audra Segree confirmed that Jamaica’s women’s team is similarly positioned to qualify in the two-woman event as preparations intensify for the upcoming Winter Games.

    Minister Grange connected the current team’s achievements to Jamaica’s storied bobsleigh heritage, noting that their determination reflects the legacy of the nation’s historic 1988 Olympic debut that inspired the beloved film ‘Cool Runnings.’ This ongoing success story continues to demonstrate Jamaica’s capacity to excel in winter sports despite geographical limitations, maintaining the country’s prominent position on the international athletic stage.

  • St Mary inmate dies in police custody; IPROB and Indecom launch investigations

    St Mary inmate dies in police custody; IPROB and Indecom launch investigations

    Authorities in Jamaica have initiated parallel investigations following the death of a detainee in police custody in St Mary over the weekend. The Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau (IPROB) alongside the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) are examining the circumstances that led to the fatal incident.

    The deceased has been identified as 34-year-old Eraldo Francis, also known as “Nagram,” a contractor from Tremolesworth, Highgate. Francis was being held on serious charges including murder, use of a firearm to commit a felony, possession of a prohibited weapon, and unauthorized possession of ammunition.

    Preliminary reports from law enforcement indicate that the incident occurred at approximately 12:20 pm on Saturday when Francis became involved in a physical confrontation with fellow inmates. The altercation resulted in injuries that necessitated medical attention. Francis was subsequently transported to a medical facility where he was officially pronounced dead.

    While the St Mary Criminal Investigations Branch continues its routine inquiry into the matter, the involvement of both IPROB and Indecom signifies a comprehensive review of custodial procedures and incident response protocols. The dual investigation aims to ensure transparency and accountability in determining the factors that contributed to the fatal outcome.

  • Five arrested; gun and ammo seized in Manchester

    Five arrested; gun and ammo seized in Manchester

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Law enforcement authorities in Manchester parish conducted a comprehensive security operation on Saturday resulting in significant weapon seizures and multiple arrests. The coordinated police action led to the recovery of two M-16 rifle magazines, a 9mm pistol, and the detention of five individuals on various charges.

    According to Operations Officer Luhas Daniels, who confirmed the operational details, the early morning initiative commenced around 3:30 am in Greenvale. Officers reported observing a man behaving suspiciously who subsequently dropped a 9mm firearm before fleeing the scene. Despite an ongoing investigation to apprehend the suspect, the weapon was successfully recovered by police personnel.

    Approximately one hour later, police units extended their operation to Scotts Pass in Clarendon, which falls under Manchester police jurisdiction within the Porus policing area. During a targeted raid on a premises, authorities discovered two M-16 magazines concealed within a bag. While no arrests were made specifically in connection with the weapon magazines, police apprehended four individuals—including two women—on allegations related to lottery scamming operations.

    In a separate but related incident within northern Manchester, law enforcement officials detained a fifth individual also connected to lottery scamming activities. One of those arrested has already been formally charged with violations under the Law Reform Act, signaling the seriousness with which authorities are addressing these security matters.

  • Into the Blue: Williamsville teen redefines freediving in TT

    Into the Blue: Williamsville teen redefines freediving in TT

    In an extraordinary display of athletic prowess and mental fortitude, 18-year-old Victoria Deonarine from Trinidad and Tobago has redefined the limits of national freediving. On November 21, during the Blue Element competition in Soufriere, Dominica, the St Stephen’s College student plunged to a breathtaking depth of 45 meters without breathing apparatus, shattering her previous national record of 40 meters and surpassing the men’s national record in the process.

    This remarkable achievement represents more than just a personal triumph—it marks a watershed moment for freediving in Trinidad and Tobago. The sport, which involves breath-holding until resurfacing rather than using scuba equipment, has historically flown under the radar in the twin-island nation despite its perfect aquatic environment.

    ‘Honestly, I’m still on a high from it,’ Deonarine confessed to Newsday. ‘It still feels surreal thinking about it because it is everything that I have been working towards and more.’

    The Williamsville native described entering uncharted territory during her record-breaking attempt. While she had reached 40 meters in training, the competition dive pushed her into entirely new depths. ‘I didn’t really know what to expect,’ she admitted. ‘In the past, I never would have dove as deep as that. So, I was a bit nervous.’

    However, Deonarine found her composure once she reached her starting position, surrounded by safety divers. ‘I felt calm, I felt capable because I knew that all of my training had prepared me for that specific moment,’ she recalled.

    Her triumphant resurfacing was marked by a heart-shaped hand gesture and the draping of the Trinidad and Tobago flag across her shoulders—a symbolic celebration of national pride. ‘I’m just really proud to be able to carry my flag to new depths, to represent TT by doing what I love,’ Deonarine expressed.

    The aftermath of her achievement has generated unexpected attention, with interview requests and messages from strangers sparking renewed interest in the sport. Deonarine sees this as an opportunity to promote freediving in her homeland. ‘We are an island surrounded by beautiful water, and so much can happen because people are just not really aware of freediving,’ she noted, highlighting the nation’s untapped potential for the sport.

    Her coach, Saif Mohammed of ‘Out and Under,’ attested to Deonarine’s rapid progression through intermediate freediver certification, advanced breath-hold training, and first responder preparation. Mohammed believes her capabilities extend beyond national records to potential world championship contention. ‘There is a possibility that she can even go up for world records and not just national records,’ he stated.

    Despite these aspirations, Deonarine remains grounded, prioritizing her academic commitments while maintaining training consistency. She envisions Trinidad and Tobago hosting international freediving competitions, particularly in Tobago, which could boost tourism and local participation.

    For now, the young athlete focuses on her examinations, but her historic dive suggests this breakthrough merely marks the beginning of an promising international career in freediving.

  • Artist Liz Gardener bares her Soul, Joy & Love

    Artist Liz Gardener bares her Soul, Joy & Love

    Following a 15-year absence from public exhibitions, Trinidadian artist Elizabeth “Liz” Gardner has emerged with a vibrant collection aimed at injecting joy into the world through her solo showcase “Soul, Joy & Love” at Horizons Art Gallery. The exhibition, running from December 9-19 in St. James, represents Gardner’s deliberate shift from private creation to public sharing despite her previous preference for maintaining a low profile.

    The collection features 38 predominantly figurative works executed primarily in oil paint, accompanied by ink-drawn wooden houses and mixed media pieces combining colored pencils with oil on canvas. Gardner describes the exhibition as both a celebration of earthly beauty and a commentary on contemporary society’s inauthentic and disturbing elements. Through depictions of traditional bélé dancers observed across Caribbean islands, the artist explores how dance, music, and the sea serve as unifying forces within the region.

    Gardner’s artistic philosophy centers on love as the fundamental force in human existence, particularly emphasizing divine love. She expresses hope that her creations will “speak to someone’s heart” and counteract what she perceives as a growing absence of genuine love in modern society.

    The artist’s return to exhibition coincides with her decision to pause her teaching career, which included seven years at Point Cumana RC Primary School where she developed specialized art programs for underserved communities. Gardner has concurrently maintained a 12-year philanthropic initiative supporting children through essential provisions and educational projects, funded entirely by her art sales.

    A graduate of Canada’s Fanshawe College with a degree in painting and graphic design, Gardner brings 30 years of professional experience across multiple creative disciplines including film, theater, printing, and fashion. She describes artists as perpetual creators who “feast” on their respective mediums—whether visual, literary, or musical—interpreting the world through their artistic lenses.

    Looking forward, Gardner plans to expand her experimentation with mixed media techniques and water-based methods, continuing her artistic evolution while advocating for expanded arts education opportunities for Trinidad’s youth, whom she describes as possessing “blow-mind talent” capable of shining on international stages.

  • Signal Hill edge ‘Tigers’ to book intercol final spot

    Signal Hill edge ‘Tigers’ to book intercol final spot

    In a tense and dramatic semifinal clash at Hasely Crawford Stadium on December 6, Signal Hill Secondary School secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over St Anthony’s College to advance to the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Coca-Cola national intercol final. The decisive moment arrived in the 76th minute when substitute Siel Mills, who had just entered the pitch seconds earlier, calmly slotted the ball into an unguarded net. This opportunity emerged after St Anthony’s goalkeeper Necose Moore made a brilliant initial save against another substitute, Jahmiah Gibbes, but left his line exposed.

    The match, while lacking in technical refinement, compensated with intense drama and physical commitment. Signal Hill’s advancement was largely safeguarded by an exceptional performance from goalkeeper Kaleb Romeo, who made two critical saves in the closing stages against St Anthony’s key playmaker, Mordecai Ford. Romeo first denied a powerful left-footed strike from Ford in the 82nd minute and then produced another spectacular stop deep into stoppage time to preserve his team’s narrow lead.

    Signal Hill now prepares for a highly anticipated championship rematch against Naparima College, the 2025 premier division champions who narrowly defeated St Augustine Secondary in their semifinal on December 5. This final confrontation carries added significance for the Tobago-based team, as Naparima College previously denied them the premier division title with a 2-1 victory on November 27, a result that ultimately pushed Signal Hill to third place in the league standings.

    The national intercol final is scheduled for December 10 at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, where Signal Hill will seek redemption and their first national crown against their familiar rivals from Naparima.

  • Pleasantville power into girls’ national intercol final

    Pleasantville power into girls’ national intercol final

    In a stunning display of offensive prowess and tactical discipline, Pleasantville Secondary School secured their place in the 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) girls’ intercol national final with a resounding 5-0 victory over defending champions St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain (SJCPoS). The highly anticipated semifinal clash at Hasely Crawford Stadium on December 6 transformed into a showcase of Pleasantville’s championship pedigree as they exacted revenge for last year’s penalty shootout defeat in the national finale.

    From the opening whistle, Pleasantville demonstrated their determination to control the narrative. National team standout Nikita Gosine, fresh from representing Trinidad and Tobago in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying action against Barbados just five days prior, immediately imposed her will on the match. The reigning SSFL Girls’ Player of the Year opened the scoring in just the second minute before doubling the advantage in the 13th minute with a clinical finish that left SJCPoS reeling.

    Despite entering halftime with a comfortable 2-0 lead, Pleasantville faced sustained pressure as SJCPoS mounted numerous offensive raids to begin the second half. Goalkeeper Akeila Marryshow emerged as a defensive stalwart, making crucial interventions including two spectacular saves against SJCPoS winger Emma Nieves who found herself in dangerous positions but failed to convert.

    The match’s turning point arrived in the 65th minute when Kaeley Martin capitalized on precise right-wing play to slot home from point-blank range, extending Pleasantville’s lead to 3-0. SJCPoS’s frustration compounded when standout performer Kaitlyn Darwent struck the base of the post after skillfully evading multiple defenders on the edge of the penalty area.

    Pleasantville sealed their emphatic victory with two additional second-half goals. Zara Chase, who previously recorded a hat-trick in the zonal finals, demonstrated composure beyond her years with a clinical 69th-minute finish past goalkeeper Alexia Dolland. Midfielder Natalia Gosine provided the exclamation point in the 77th minute, unleashing a spectacular curling effort from distance that dipped and swerved beyond Dolland’s reach.

    The comprehensive victory sets up a national championship showdown against east zonal champions Five Rivers Secondary on December 10. Five Rivers earned their finals berth with a narrow 1-0 victory over Tobago champions Signal Hill Secondary, courtesy of an eighth-minute goal from national youth team player Hackeemar Goodridge in the simultaneous semifinal at the Hasely Crawford training field.

  • Nuanced approach to gaming tax needed

    Nuanced approach to gaming tax needed

    Hospitality associations in Trinidad and Tobago are mounting strong opposition against the government’s planned gaming amusement tax increase, warning of severe consequences for community bars and their employees.

    The Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Bars and Restaurants (TTCOBAR) alongside the Barkeepers Owners/Operators Association (BOATT) have issued forceful complaints regarding the proposed measure that would raise annual taxes per gambling machine from $6,000 to $25,000—an increase exceeding 400%. Industry representatives argue this dramatic hike would devastate hundreds of neighborhood bars that rely on machine revenues to maintain financial viability.

    This perspective has gained support from the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Service Industries, which has called for collaborative dialogue before implementation. Currently, approximately 60% of the nation’s 2,500 bars operate known gambling devices, with many establishments risking substantial fines for undisclosed machines due to the lucrative returns.

    The financial mechanics of these machines reveal why they’re so attractive to bar owners. After covering acquisition costs and annual taxes, the machines generate revenue without additional staffing requirements, sick leave, or drink-mixing services. They efficiently extract cash from patrons while creating no new employment opportunities.

    Unlike social bar games like pool or darts that encourage customer interaction and extended stays, these electronic gambling devices promote solitary, focused use. Despite their colorful interfaces and the softened term “gaming,” they constitute sophisticated gambling technology with lower payout rates than those offered in private members’ clubs.

    Bar owners already anticipate staff reductions to offset the new tax burden. There are also concerns that increased taxation might drive more operators to conceal their machines, potentially undermining tax collection efforts.

    Globally, taxes on gambling devices typically fund specific programs, including rehabilitation services for compulsive gamblers. The current proposal appears to be part of broader government efforts to finance programs through taxes that target harmful behaviors, though stakeholders argue the approach requires more nuanced consideration than a blunt tax increase.

  • Emily sings from the heart

    Emily sings from the heart

    A remarkable musical phenomenon is emerging from Lower Barrackpore, where 10-year-old Emily Roopnarine demonstrates vocal prowess that defies her youthful age. The standard four student at Rochard Douglas Presbyterian School, who maintains exceptional academic performance with Mathematics as her favorite subject, possesses a melodious voice that instantly captivates listeners and leaves audiences spellbound.

    Emily’s musical journey commenced unexpectedly at age four during a Sunday School concert, where she discovered an innate passion for performance. Under the nurturing guidance of her parents, Nancy and Deva Roopnarine, and through dedicated self-study via YouTube tutorials facilitated by her mother, Emily has cultivated her natural talent into refined artistry. Her repertoire now spans multiple genres, showcasing remarkable versatility for someone her age.

    The young vocalist has graced numerous prestigious platforms, including school productions, church programs, and special cultural functions. She has been featured twice on ‘Moments of Inspiration,’ a religious program spotlighting talented performers within Presbyterian communities. Her performance credentials include the National Day of Prayer at the National Council for Indian Culture’s Divali Nagar and the Rhythms ‘n Brews karaoke event.

    Two recent performances particularly stand out in Emily’s budding career. On November 16, she delivered an unforgettable performance at Debe High School during a regional Christmas concert organized by her church, describing the experience as ‘ecstatic.’ Earlier, on November 8, she achieved what she considers her pinnacle performance to date at her school’s cultural show held at Vickar’s Country Club.

    Despite experiencing pre-performance nerves, Emily has developed effective techniques to manage stage anxiety by immersing herself in the music and allowing the melody to guide her delivery. She maintains academic excellence through disciplined time management, balancing school responsibilities with her musical pursuits.

    For Emily, Christmas represents ‘a time of love, happiness and most of all, celebrating the birth of Jesus.’ Her seasonal favorite is ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,’ and she cherishes family gatherings and gift exchanges during the holiday period. Inspired by global pop sensation Ariana Grande, Emily aspires to professional performance career.

    Beyond music, Emily enjoys practicing art and karate. She maintains a special connection to her late grandmother, Basdaye (Katie) Dukhoo, who passed away four years ago, and draws strength from her supportive extended family including grandfather Errol Dukhoo, Uncle Andy, Aunt Natalie Rajkumar, and cousin Chad.

    Her mother expresses overwhelming pride in Emily’s accomplishments: ‘We are beaming with pride. Emily has blown us away with her incredible singing talent. We have watched her grow and progress through hard work and dedication for her love for singing. We are very proud parents, and we cannot wait to see where this journey takes her.’

    Emily’s advice to fellow young aspirants embodies her philosophy: ‘Follow your heart, believe in yourself, and dream big’—a mantra that continues to propel her extraordinary journey.