Carib Scope

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  • Melissa Wittet’s quilled Christmas ornaments

    Melissa Wittet’s quilled Christmas ornaments

    In the vibrant city of San Fernando, Trinidad, artist Melissa Wittet has transformed Christmas traditions into tangible works of art through her exquisite handmade ornaments. For eight consecutive years, the 33-year-old creative has dedicated herself to crafting delicate paper-quilled decorations that have become cherished family heirlooms across Trinidad and Tobago.

    Wittet’s journey into seasonal décor emerged organically from a lifelong passion for creativity. “I’ve always been artistic since childhood,” she reflects, noting her early fascination with handmade creations. Her specialization in Christmas ornaments began when a family member encouraged her to participate in a seasonal market, initially leading her to create burlap wreaths and decorative centerpieces before discovering her true calling in paper quilling.

    The self-taught artist developed a unique methodology through extensive experimentation. “I came across paper quilling online but developed my own distinctive technique through trial and error,” Wittet explains. Her process involves meticulously rolling, shaping, and assembling paper strips into intricate designs that reflect the spiritual significance of Christmas. “My ornaments, particularly the angels and crosses, celebrate Christ’s birth and my Christian heritage,” she shares.

    Each piece demands exceptional patience and precision, with Wittet marveling at her own dedication to the time-consuming craft. Beyond their visual appeal, these ornaments serve as emotional touchstones for families. “They’re perfect keepsakes to remember loved ones absent during holidays or commemorate special life moments,” Wittet emphasizes.

    The artist balances her ornament business with parallel careers as a certified nail artist, makeup specialist, and lash technician—all fields that channel her creative energy. While she primarily sells through Instagram (@littlemisscreative.mw) and prefers intimate seasonal markets over large vendor events, Wittet remains committed to supporting local artisans and contributing to Trinidad’s creative community.

    Though uncertain about expanding into retail partnerships, Wittet affirms: “As long as there’s Christmas, I’ll continue creating these handmade treasures that transform holiday decorations into lasting memories.”

  • Bocas Lit Fest, Chosen Hands host session for vulnerable youth

    Bocas Lit Fest, Chosen Hands host session for vulnerable youth

    In a powerful convergence of arts and activism, St Jude’s School for Girls recently hosted a transformative creative awareness session designed to equip vulnerable youth with protective tools against human trafficking and modern slavery. This collaborative initiative brought together Bocas Lit Fest and Chosen Hands—an art and wellness organization founded by Anika Plowden-Corentin—during the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

    The program established a compassionate creative environment where participants explored critical personal development themes including self-awareness, boundary-setting, and resilience building. Through multidisciplinary approaches incorporating storytelling, mindfulness practices, and visual art expression, facilitators created what organizers described as ‘a sanctuary for courage and self-discovery.’

    Plowden-Corentin emphasized the foundational philosophy driving the initiative: ‘When young people receive safe spaces for expression, reflection, and imagination, they progressively reclaim their voices and recognize their inherent power. Our mission at St Jude’s centered on inviting these girls to perceive themselves as worthy, resilient individuals capable of actively shaping their destinies.’

    The literary component, orchestrated by Bocas Lit Fest, featured spoken word artist Deneka Thomas guiding students through dynamic creative writing and performance exercises. Participants collaboratively composed an original poem rooted in their collective experiences and aspirations, fostering both unity and confident self-expression.

    Supporting the event were key Bocas Lit Fest personnel including Youth Programme Manager Marielle Forbes, Children’s Programme Manager Melvina Hazard, and Marketing/Media Manager Joy Luk Pat. The mindfulness dimension was enhanced by Dionysia Browne of Calm for Corporate, whose grounding exercises strengthened participants’ emotional preparedness and internal awareness.

    The partnership exemplifies a growing recognition that arts-based education and emotional support can serve as vital protective mechanisms for vulnerable populations. By integrating creative expression with practical safety strategies, the program provided both immediate tools and long-term empowerment frameworks for at-risk youth navigating complex societal challenges.

  • Dean Williams, John Hussain headline December Songshine

    Dean Williams, John Hussain headline December Songshine

    The Songshine Open Mic Series concludes its annual programming with an exceptional double-bill performance featuring two of Trinidad and Tobago’s most accomplished guitarists. Dean Williams and John Hussain will showcase their distinctive musical artistry on December 13 at Kafe Blue (also known as Kaiso Blues) on Wrightson Road in Port of Spain, beginning at 7 pm.

    Founded and hosted by singer-songwriter Gillian Moore, the Songshine franchise has established itself as a premier platform for diverse performers including vocalists, poets, instrumentalists, and comedians. The event’s first segment remains open to all talented individuals seeking to share their gifts with the welcoming Songshine audience community.

    Dean Williams brings formidable technical expertise honed through collaborations with both local and international music legends. His impressive performance history includes work with calypso pioneers Kitchener and Sparrow, soca superstar Machel Montano, Destra, Atlantik, and Xtatik, alongside international icons Shaggy, Wyclef Jean, and Sean Paul. His academic credentials include bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from the University of Trinidad and Tobago complemented by jazz guitar certification from Berklee College of Music. Williams’ versatile repertoire spans pop, jazz, R&B, calypso, soca, world beat, rock/blues, classical, and folk genres.

    John Hussain offers a contrasting yet equally compelling approach to guitar performance. Rather than simply delivering traditional covers, Hussain creates immersive sonic experiences characterized by unexpected twists and thrilling musical explorations. With over three decades of professional experience, he ranks among Trinidad and Tobago’s most versatile and respected instrumentalists. His extensive career includes tenures with prominent acts including Calypso Rose, Mungal Patasar’s Pantar, Gyazette, 12, and Buzzrock. Hussain’s international performance footprint encompasses tours across Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Australia, and New Zealand. He additionally holds a Master of Arts in Carnival Studies, reflecting his deep scholarly engagement with Caribbean cultural traditions.

    Prospective open mic participants are advised to arrive early to secure performance placement. Additional information regarding the event is available by calling 741-1569.

  • Fashion icon Christopher Nathan on stage 4 diagnosis: ‘Cancer’s not my legacy’

    Fashion icon Christopher Nathan on stage 4 diagnosis: ‘Cancer’s not my legacy’

    Renowned fashion director and model agent Christopher Nathan, 63, faces a profound medical and personal crossroads following a devastating stage four metastatic spinal cancer diagnosis. The Trinidad-based industry pioneer, whose career has spanned nearly five decades, must now decide between palliative comfort care or aggressive treatment involving radiation and chemotherapy.

    Nathan’s health crisis began with severe back pain initially misdiagnosed as osteoarthritis by physicians at multiple Trinidad and Tobago hospitals in August. The situation escalated dramatically in late November while Nathan was in Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where he experienced alarming neurological symptoms including full-body numbness and paralysis from the chest down.

    Emergency medical intervention at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital revealed the true nature of his condition: advanced prostate cancer that had metastasized to his spine, creating five lesions and causing spinal fractures. He was subsequently airlifted back to Trinidad for treatment at Sangre Grande Hospital Campus, where he now confronts significant physical challenges including loss of bladder and bowel control.

    Despite the grim prognosis, Nathan finds solace in his extraordinary professional legacy. Through his company Coco Velvet International Fashion and Model Management, he has mentored over a thousand young professionals and established the Caribbean’s first university fashion program at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. His recent production of Styleweek Caribbean Fashion Collections, created while enduring considerable pain, stands as what he considers his finest creative work.

    The fashion community has rallied around Nathan, with notable figures including Miss Universe 1998 Wendy Fitzwilliam and designers Peter Elias and Claudia Pegus offering support. While emotionally fluctuating between despair and acceptance, Nathan maintains spiritual comfort, stating: ‘I am totally satisfied God put me on this earth to do a job and I did it well.’ His remarkable career additionally includes roles as flight attendant, merchandising manager, and chairman of Trinidad’s sustainable garment manufacturing standards committee.

  • Saint Lucians vote in general election

    Saint Lucians vote in general election

    Citizens of Saint Lucia are participating in a decisive democratic exercise today as polls open nationwide for the island’s general elections. This electoral process will establish the Caribbean nation’s political leadership and policy trajectory for the forthcoming five-year term.

    Voting commenced at dawn across all constituencies, with enthusiastic voters forming substantial queues at numerous polling stations even before official opening times. The election sees incumbent Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who spearheaded the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) to a commanding 13-4 parliamentary majority in 2021, attempting to secure a renewed mandate from the electorate.

    The primary opposition challenge emerges from the United Workers Party (UWP), directed by former Prime Minister Allen Chastanet. The UWP seeks political redemption after suffering a significant reduction to merely two legislative seats during the previous electoral contest.

    Prime Pierre formally initiated the electoral timeline on November 9, designating December 1 as polling day and November 21 for candidate nominations. The dissolution of Parliament occurred on November 10, facilitating an uninterrupted campaign period.

    This electoral confrontation represents a fundamental choice for Saint Lucian voters between political continuity under the current administration or a return to governance by the previously ruling party. Campaign discourse has centered on critical national concerns including economic development strategies, youth employment initiatives, public security measures, healthcare system improvements, and infrastructure modernization projects.

  • GFNC: Protect children from alcohol

    GFNC: Protect children from alcohol

    The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) has issued a critical health advisory targeting a deeply entrenched cultural practice: the serving of alcohol-infused traditional holiday foods to minors. During Christmas celebrations, households across Grenada typically feature black cake and sorrel drink, treats that conventionally include alcoholic ingredients. The GFNC emphasizes that these items, along with other beverages containing 3-4% alcohol, are often given to children without recognizing the significant associated risks, which include fostering dependency and precipitating long-term health complications.

    This warning is substantiated by a global perspective outlined in the journal article ‘Too Young to Pour: The Global Crisis of Underage Alcohol Use.’ The research identifies ‘parental modelling and permissive attitudes’ as primary drivers in normalizing alcohol consumption among youth. This raises a pivotal societal question regarding the extent to which observed behaviors in familial and social environments shape children’s perceptions and habits related to drinking.

    Supporting data reveals a concerning trend in Grenada’s alcohol consumption patterns. A publication from The University of the West Indies indicates that alcohol use has surged from 74.4% to 94% over the past four decades. Furthermore, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) figures from 2019 estimate the per capita alcohol consumption for individuals aged 15 and older at 8.62 litres of pure alcohol, positioning Grenada as the fifth-highest consumer in the Caribbean according to Data Commons. A World Health Organisation (WHO) fact sheet adds another layer of concern, highlighting prevalent binge drinking, with 32.6% of the population and 7.1% of adolescents (15-19) engaging in heavy episodic consumption at least once monthly.

    The GFNC reminder aligns with the legal stance of Grenada’s Drug Control Secretariat, which explicitly prohibits the possession, use, sale, and distribution of alcohol in environments associated with schools and youth functions. The council argues this protection must extend into the home. Early exposure to alcohol is linked to severe consequences, including an elevated risk of developing alcohol dependence in adulthood, impaired neurological development, a greater likelihood of involvement in road accidents, and an increase in general risk-taking behaviors.

    As a preventive solution, the GFNC strongly advocates for preparing exclusively non-alcoholic versions of traditional holiday foods and beverages for minors. Providing nutrient-rich, alcohol-free alternatives is paramount for supporting the healthy physical and cognitive development of children and adolescents. The public is urged to heed this advice to safeguard the well-being of Grenada’s youth.

  • St. Lucians take it to the polls today

    St. Lucians take it to the polls today

    The Eastern Caribbean nation of St. Lucia commenced voting operations on Monday as citizens cast their ballots in a closely watched general election that will determine the country’s political trajectory. The electoral contest pits incumbent Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) against Allen Chastanet’s United Workers Party (UWP) in a democratic exercise that has captured regional attention.

    Prime Minister Pierre, 71, strategically called the election nearly a year before the constitutional deadline, expressing confidence that his administration would not only retain but potentially expand upon the 13-seat majority secured in the 2021 elections. In his final pre-election address via social media, Pierre emphasized collective progress and democratic participation: “The only way to ensure continued progress for all is to put the X next to the STAR,” referencing his party’s symbol.

    Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet, 65, mounted a spirited campaign focused on regional political trends and national unity. Addressing supporters in Choiseul during the final rally, Chastanet highlighted the electoral successes of other center-right parties across the Caribbean, noting particularly the recent victories of “yellow” affiliated parties in Trinidad and Tobago and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

    Both leaders invoked divine blessing for the nation throughout their campaigns, with Chastanet specifically calling for “peace, wisdom and protection” during the voting process. The election represents a critical juncture for St. Lucia’s development agenda, with both parties presenting distinct visions for economic growth, social development, and regional integration within the CARICOM framework.

    The electoral process unfolded under careful observation, with citizens determining whether to continue Pierre’s administration or return Chastanet, who previously served as prime minister from 2016 to 2021. The outcome will significantly influence St. Lucia’s policy direction on tourism development, infrastructure projects, and foreign relations within the hemisphere.

  • Lady Tridents ready for clash against Soca Warriors at Kensington Oval

    Lady Tridents ready for clash against Soca Warriors at Kensington Oval

    A wave of palpable anticipation sweeps across Kensington Oval as Barbados’ Lady Tridents mark their monumental return to international football, poised to confront the formidable Trinidad and Tobago Socca Warriors. This electrifying CONCACAF W Qualifiers Group F opener, scheduled for a 4 p.m. kickoff, signifies more than just a match—it represents a national resurgence for Barbadian football.

    At a pre-match press conference held at the Barbados Football Association Technical Centre in Wildey, both squads articulated their readiness and strategic outlook. Group F, a challenging bracket, also includes Central American contenders El Salvador and Honduras.

    Barbados Head Coach Kerry Trotman conveyed immense confidence in his squad’s preparation. “The team is in high spirits following intensive training regimens,” Trotman stated. He highlighted the significance of their recent victorious campaign in the Windward Islands Football Association tournament and subsequent international friendlies in St. Vincent and the Grenadines last September. Acknowledging initial challenges with team cohesion, Trotman emphasized that dedicated on-and-off-pitch work has successfully forged a unified squad blending seasoned veterans and promising young talent. “Our objective is to synergize experience with youthful vigor, aiming to deliver a performance worthy of our Independence weekend celebrations,” he elaborated.

    Echoing this sentiment, team captain and midfield stalwart Shanice Stevenson infused the occasion with profound national pride. “Competing on the eve of our 59th Independence anniversary amplifies our desire to secure a victory for every Barbadian,” Stevenson declared. She framed the match as an opportunity to embody the national motto of ‘Pride and Industry’ and passionately called for robust home support at the Oval.

    The Trinidadian contingent, under the guidance of Head Coach Damian Briggs, arrived with equal determination. Briggs reported excellent acclimatization and focused preparations, noting his strategy to insulate the team from external pressures. “Our squad of 23 is buzzing with excitement and is fully prepared for the challenge,” Briggs announced. He outlined an aggressive tactical philosophy centered on high-intensity pressing without possession and dynamic, attacking football when in control of the ball. “A positive start with a win is our target, as success fosters further confidence,” Briggs concluded.

    Soca Warriors captain Kennya Cordner corroborated her coach’s optimistic assessment, confirming the squad’s positive energy and unwavering focus ahead of the pivotal clash against the Lady Tridents.

  • PHOTOS: NSWMA Accelerates Derelict Vehicle Removal as Phase Two of National Clean-Up Campaign Intensifies

    PHOTOS: NSWMA Accelerates Derelict Vehicle Removal as Phase Two of National Clean-Up Campaign Intensifies

    The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has executed a significant environmental and public safety operation, successfully extracting over fifty derelict vehicles from residential zones in the Villa and Yorks communities. This intensive week-long removal campaign targeted a diverse range of abandoned transportation, including personal cars, public transit buses, jeeps, and pickup trucks that had been left to deteriorate. The initiative represents a critical phase in the agency’s broader, intensified strategy to enhance urban cleanliness and community aesthetics across the region. By systematically clearing these substantial eyesores and potential hazards, the authority addresses longstanding complaints from residents concerning blight and safety risks. This operation underscores a renewed governmental commitment to enforcing public space regulations and improving quality of life. Officials have indicated that such targeted clean-up drives are set to continue, with plans to expand into additional neighborhoods in the coming months, signaling a sustained effort to combat urban decay.

  • Annette Michael and Cleo Henry Honoured in Women in Tourism Special Awards

    Annette Michael and Cleo Henry Honoured in Women in Tourism Special Awards

    Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector celebrated two of its most influential figures during the prestigious 2025 Tourism Awards Gala, where Annette Michael and Cleo Henry received special recognition for their exceptional three-decade-long careers. The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment presented the Women in Tourism Special Awards to these trailblazers, acknowledging their profound impact on the nation’s vital tourism industry through leadership, mentorship, and transformative influence.

    The newly established awards program specifically recognizes women who have established exemplary standards within the tourism sector while simultaneously strengthening workforce capabilities, supporting national economic development, and inspiring emerging professionals. Both honorees have contributed 33 years of service each, representing the dedication and resilience that form the foundation of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism success.

    Annette Michael, who embraced the personal motto ‘Country First’ throughout her career, progressed from her initial role as Tourism Field Officer to become a Hospitality Management Officer. Her work encompassed significant industry initiatives and government-led development programs that substantially advanced the nation’s tourism offerings.

    Cleo Henry, possessing an Executive MBA and certifications in hospitality excellence (CHE, CGSP), received recognition for her regional impact on tourism education and professional training. Her expertise spans multiple disciplines including hotel operations, culinary arts, tour guiding, and professional certification development. As a consultant, educator, and trainer across the Caribbean region, Henry has played a pivotal role in elevating hospitality standards and empowering tourism professionals throughout the islands.

    The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association characterized both recipients as ‘visionaries who uplift, inspire and transform the spaces they touch,’ emphasizing that their contributions reflect the resilience and dedication of women who have shaped the sector over multiple decades. Ministry officials noted that these awards highlight the indispensable role women play in building and sustaining Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism product, with the legacies of both Michael and Henry expected to continue influencing the industry for generations to come.