Carib Scope

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  • Donald Sinclair- tourism industry icon, educator and bodybuilder dies

    Donald Sinclair- tourism industry icon, educator and bodybuilder dies

    The Guyanese tourism and education sectors are mourning the passing of Donald Sinclair, a multifaceted icon who died Thursday at age 73. The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) confirmed the death of the revered figure who left an indelible mark across multiple fields.

    Sinclair’s legacy spans three major domains: tourism development, education, and sports. With over 35 years of experience spanning local, regional, and international tourism, he was appointed Director-General of Guyana’s Department of Tourism in 2015 by then-Minister Cathy Hughes. Prior to this leadership role, he had advised multiple tourism ministers and was instrumental in shaping policy, planning, and institutional development within the sector.

    Beyond government service, Sinclair was a passionate educator who lectured at universities in Guyana, the United States, and Canada. He served as Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Tourism Management and played a key role in regional capacity building as Lecturer and Director at the Suriname Hospitality and Tourism Training School. His academic contributions included research articles on tourism published in numerous international journals.

    Sinclair’s practical tourism development initiatives were equally impactful. He conceived and executed several community-based programs including the innovative Coconut Festival, which highlighted agro-tourism, cultural heritage, and local enterprise while fostering community participation in tourism.

    In his earlier years, Sinclair contributed to Guyana’s educational system as a teacher at North Georgetown Secondary School during the 1970s. He also helped pioneer bodybuilding in Guyana during the sport’s formative years in the country.

    THAG President Mitra Rajkumar expressed the sector’s grief, stating: ‘It’s a sad day for us. He was an outstanding gentleman in every sense of the word. He gave his all to the sector for decades.’ The association described Sinclair as ‘a distinguished tourism advocate, educator, and public-sector leader whose contributions helped shape Guyana’s tourism landscape.’

    His legacy is remembered as one of vision, mentorship, and service that effectively bridged education, policy, and practical tourism development. THAG has extended condolences to his family, colleagues, students, and the wider tourism community, noting that his contributions to Guyana and regional tourism will be remembered with respect and gratitude.

  • Venezuelan Opposition Leader Gives Nobel Peace Prize Medal to Trump

    Venezuelan Opposition Leader Gives Nobel Peace Prize Medal to Trump

    In a remarkable diplomatic encounter at the White House, Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado presented U.S. President Donald Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal during a meeting on January 16, 2026. The event occurred nearly two weeks after American special forces successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

    The Oval Office meeting featured a photo opportunity before the Declaration of Independence, where President Trump displayed the framed medal with evident satisfaction. The gesture came despite Trump’s previous statements indicating he would not support Machado’s political aspirations in Venezuela’s leadership transition.

    Following the meeting, Trump expressed his appreciation on Truth Social, describing the encounter as a ‘Great Honor’ and praising Machado as ‘a wonderful woman who has been through so much.’ He characterized the medal presentation as recognition for his work in ending multiple conflicts, referencing his September 2025 United Nations speech where he claimed credit for terminating seven wars.

    Machado, awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy of democratic rights and peaceful political transition in Venezuela, described the meeting as ‘excellent.’ She explained the medal presentation symbolized ‘recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom.’

    However, the Nobel Peace Centre promptly clarified on social media platform X that while the physical medal could change ownership, the title of Nobel Peace Prize laureate remains non-transferable according to Nobel Foundation regulations.

    In a consequential political development, President Trump has instead endorsed Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s deputy who was sworn in as interim president, citing Machado’s insufficient domestic support to lead Venezuela.

  • $7,500 Fine Issued as Forest Dept. Cracks Down on Illegal Logging

    $7,500 Fine Issued as Forest Dept. Cracks Down on Illegal Logging

    Authorities in Belize have launched a coordinated nationwide offensive against illegal logging operations, resulting in significant legal penalties and multiple ongoing prosecutions. The enforcement initiative, spearheaded by the Forest Department in collaboration with the Programme for Belize, Belize Defence Force, and local police, has uncovered substantial unauthorized timber harvesting across different regions.

    In a major operation on January 9, enforcement teams intercepted five individuals in the Shipyard area of Orange Walk District found in possession of 31 mahogany logs without valid harvesting or possession permits. The suspects were apprehended and formally charged with unlawful possession of forest produce. The confiscated timber remains secured under Forest Department custody as judicial proceedings continue.

    Just two days later on January 11, maritime authorities discovered another significant violation aboard the vessel ‘Surveyor’ near Caye Caulker. The inspection revealed 25 palm logs, each measuring approximately 16 feet in length, transported without required forestry permits or seaworthy certification. Three individuals—Ronal Noe Martinez, Donald Guevara, and Johan Penner—were detained in connection with the incident.

    Penner subsequently entered a guilty plea in court and received a substantial penalty of BZ$7,500 plus court costs, with payment required by December 2027. Failure to comply with the financial penalty carries a potential one-year prison sentence. Additionally, Penner faces separate charges from the Belize Port Authority for maritime regulatory violations.

  • Figuera: More oversight needed to prevent repeat of Clico collapse

    Figuera: More oversight needed to prevent repeat of Clico collapse

    A prominent criminologist has issued a forceful appeal for a comprehensive overhaul of Trinidad and Tobago’s financial regulatory systems in the wake of the long-awaited Colman Commission report on the CL Financial collapse. Dr. Daurius Figuera’s comments come just days after Attorney General John Jeremie presented the voluminous findings to Parliament, marking a significant development in a financial saga that has spanned nearly two decades.

    The investigation, initiated following former Central Bank governor Ewart Williams’ 2007 revelation of liquidity crises within the CL Financial Group, represents what Jeremie characterized as “the largest case of fraud and financial tragedy” in the nation’s history and across the Caribbean region. Despite the gravity of the findings, the government has announced it will not pursue civil litigation, though criminal investigations remain active under the Director of Public Prosecutions.

    Figuera expressed profound skepticism about the investigative process, labeling it a “joke” that consumed billions in taxpayer funds over more than a decade. He raised critical questions about the initial decision to pursue civil proceedings, noting the Commission’s clear identification of potential criminal charges. “The fundamental lesson from this entire affair,” Figuera asserted, “is that Trinidad and Tobago’s supervisory structure for Colonial Life failed catastrophically.”

    The criminologist argued that proper regulatory diligence could have prevented the entire collapse by holding executive chairman Lawrence Duprey accountable long before the financial implosion. He emphasized that the Duprey empire was fundamentally built upon Colonial Life, and that regulatory bodies consistently documented questionable activities without intervening to prevent systemic failure.

    Figuera highlighted the broader implications of regulatory negligence, suggesting that effective oversight would have preserved not only Colonial Life and British American Insurance but also numerous industrial plants at Point Lisas that were part of the conglomerate. He challenged the prevailing narrative that focuses exclusively on Duprey’s actions, instead calling attention to institutional failures that “aided and abetted” the disastrous outcome.

    The expert also raised concerns about potential political interference in regulatory functions and questioned whether existing legislation governing financial entities would be strengthened to prevent future collapses. He pointed to a troubling pattern of impunity for white-collar criminals compared to aggressive enforcement against other forms of criminality, asking pointedly: “Is it law for one and no law for another? We certainly haven’t seen any prominent figures in remand custody.”

    Figuera concluded with a stark warning about the consequences of failing to learn from history, emphasizing that without substantial reforms to oversight mechanisms and enforcement protocols, similar financial disasters remain inevitable.

  • Harnarine claims innocence as CoE report goes public

    Harnarine claims innocence as CoE report goes public

    In the aftermath of Trinidad and Tobago’s financial crisis, former Hindu Credit Union (HCU) president Harry Harnarine has publicly asserted his innocence regarding the findings of the Commission of Enquiry (CoE) into the collapse of both Colonial Life Insurance Company (Clico) and HCU. Harnarine’s declaration on January 17 came directly in response to Attorney General John Jeremie’s presentation of the CoE reports before the House of Representatives.

    During a telephone interview, Harnarine maintained his position stating, “I haven’t done anything wrong,” emphasizing his full cooperation with the enquiry process by attending all hearings when summoned as a witness. Other prominent figures including former finance minister Karen Nunez-Tesheira and former Finance Ministry permanent secretary Vishnu Dhanpaul also testified during the proceedings.

    The CoE report outlined potential civil remedies for affected HCU depositors, noting that those receiving government relief up to $75,000 would assign their entitlements to the state. The commission identified legislative provisions enabling the Commissioner for Cooperative Development to investigate possible misfeasance or breach of trust by HCU officers.

    However, the CoE acknowledged limitations in evidence gathering, stating insufficient oral and documentary evidence was available by the conclusion of hearings. This evidentiary gap prompted recommendations for the Director of Public Prosecutions to examine potential criminal proceedings against unnamed individuals who declined to participate voluntarily despite ample opportunity.

    Harnarine reiterated his longstanding position that HCU was not insolvent at the time of its winding up, claiming he had petitioned three separate labour ministers between 2020 seeking appeal hearings. While former minister Errol McLeod couldn’t recall such requests, Jennifer Baptiste-Primus indicated the matter fell under the Commissioner for Cooperative Development’s jurisdiction.

    The parallel investigation into Clico’s collapse attributed the failure to a fundamentally defective business model within the CL Financial Group, citing senior management’s inability to implement necessary changes despite external auditor recommendations. The commission notably cleared the Central Bank of any misconduct while criticizing late CLF chairman Lawrence Duprey’s actions, suggesting potential criminal proceedings.

    Both institutions collapsed in 2009 following aggressive investments in high-risk foreign real estate assets financed through unsustainable high-interest strategies, creating one of the Caribbean’s most significant financial crises.

  • Children create own soca at Spirit Mas workshop

    Children create own soca at Spirit Mas workshop

    PORT OF SPAIN – More than 100 children from three Trinidadian children’s homes experienced an immersive introduction to Carnival arts during Spirit Mas’ second annual Children’s Carnival Workshop at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) on January 11.

    The event brought together youth from St Mary’s Children’s Home, Credo Foundation, and Rainbow Rescue for a comprehensive exploration of Carnival’s creative dimensions. Participants engaged in both theoretical and practical sessions across multiple disciplines including songwriting, costume design, deejaying, stilt-walking, and traditional soca and cultural dance.

    Guiding the young participants were nationally recognized practitioners in each field. The songwriting segment, led by Freetown Collective’s lead singer Muhammad Muwakil alongside music producers Kitwana Israel, Kyle Phillips, and Mevon Soodeen, provided deep insights into musical creation. Facilitators demonstrated fundamental songwriting techniques, vocal dynamics, and the transformation of creative concepts into polished productions.

    The workshop culminated in a collaborative achievement as participants composed and performed their own unofficial soca composition. Fifteen-year-old Aliyah emerged as the lead vocalist, recording verses while other children contributed supporting vocals and additional lyrics. The emotional impact was palpable when participants heard their collective work played back for the first time.

    “It was shocking. It sounded amazing, and I didn’t even recognise my own voice,” Aliyah expressed, adding with hopeful anticipation, “Maybe one day I’ll be a singer.”

    The program featured specialized instruction across multiple Carnival disciplines: Marvin Dowridge led cultural dance sessions, Rocstars Deejay Academy provided DJ instruction, Nkwame Martin taught soca dance, and the National Steel Symphony Orchestra introduced steelpan fundamentals. Costume design was facilitated by Nakitah Hyatali and Deshaune Fitzwilliam, while stilt-walking instruction came from the Kaiso Kai Valencia Cultural Group, with makeup artistry handled by Madame Maharaj Beauty School.

    Aliyah highlighted the workshop’s significance for cultural preservation, noting: “This is a way of passing down knowledge and experience so the next generation will be educated on our culture and heritage. It’s important that Spirit continues this.”

  • Veronica Callender, dancing her way to the top

    Veronica Callender, dancing her way to the top

    An 11-year-old dance sensation from Trinidad and Tobago is poised to make her mark on the global stage following a spectacular debut performance at the All Dance World Championships in Orlando. Veronica Callender, a student at Newtown Girls’ RC School, achieved the remarkable feat of securing dual victories in the Dancehall and Afro dance categories within the All New Dancer division for ages 11-14 last April.

    The young prodigy, representing both her nation and the Lil Angel of Dance academy, demonstrated extraordinary talent during her first international competition and overseas journey. Despite initial challenges with complex choreography crafted by her instructor Roxanne Augustine-Charles, Callender’s perseverance transformed uncertainty into confidence through rigorous training.

    Her pre-performance strategy involves mentally transforming the stage into her personal dance space, eliminating nervousness by imagining herself dancing alone in her room. This psychological technique proved effective until the awards ceremony, where anxious moments turned to exhilaration as she discovered her dual victories.

    Beyond the competition, Callender embraced cultural exchange, introducing international peers to Trinidadian culture while experiencing American fast food and shopping. Her triumph has unlocked an invitation to the International Dance Open in Italy, where she aims to replicate her success.

    The journey to Italy requires substantial financial backing, prompting Lil Angel of Dance to seek corporate and public sponsorship. Callender balances her dance career with academic commitments at Newtown Girls’ RC School and musical involvement in the TT Cadet Force Steel Orchestra and Highlanders Junior Steel Orchestra.

    With six years of dance experience spanning Dance Dynamix of TT and her current academy, Callender specializes in Dance Hall, Afrobeats, Reggaeton and Hip hop, while expressing interest in exploring traditional Indian dance. As preparations intensify for the 2026 competition, the young ambassador anticipates Italian cuisine and cultural exploration alongside her competitive objectives.

  • Artist Sarah Beckett bids goodbye to Trinidad and Tobago

    Artist Sarah Beckett bids goodbye to Trinidad and Tobago

    After more than five decades of artistic dedication, renowned artist and poet Sarah Beckett prepares to depart Trinidad and Tobago with a profound final exhibition that mirrors her lifelong connection to the nation. ‘Echoes of a Lifetime,’ hosted at Horizons Art Gallery on Mucurapo Road from January 21-24, serves as both a retrospective and heartfelt farewell before her relocation to the United Kingdom.

    The exhibition assembles approximately 100 works spanning 25 years of creative output, including oils, drawings, acrylics, and gouache pieces ranging from monumental canvases to intricate miniatures. While some works have been previously exhibited, others will debut publicly for the first time. Accompanying these pieces will be a selection of Beckett’s personal sketchbooks, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into the genesis of her artistic ideas.

    At nearly 80 years old and following a year of health challenges, Beckett acknowledged her children’s encouragement to relocate closer to family in the UK. She embraces this transition as an opportunity to ‘learn a new song in my 80s,’ maintaining optimism about establishing her own flat while remaining near loved ones.

    Despite this geographical shift, Beckett emphasizes this does not mark the conclusion of her creative journey. While conceding that large-scale works requiring physical endurance may become impractical, she intends to continue painting on a reduced scale. Additionally, she remains engaged in developing an illustrated poetry book, a project she plans to advance within her new environment.

    Beckett’s connection to Trinidad defies simple explanation. First arriving at age 20 from Southampton with her three children and Trinidadian husband, she subsequently lived elsewhere but consistently returned to the island. A 2015 relocation attempt to the UK lasted merely nine months before she recognized her unreadiness to leave Trinidad permanently, describing the nation as ‘entwined in my blood.’

    Her profound affection found expression in the 2024 poetry collection ‘Iere: Living in the Land of the Humming Bird,’ where she reflected that Trinidad nurtured her development as both poet and artist. The publication stands as her lyrical tribute to the island’s beauty, cultural complexities, and enduring spirit, while also acknowledging its struggles.

    The current transition inspired her newest poem ‘My Song,’ which opens with the verses: ‘Do not call this ending,/do not name it closure,/I know how to carry the sun/in the palms of my hands,/dye drab walls with color.’ These lines encapsulate her perspective that this departure represents transformation rather than termination.

    Beckett acknowledges the emotional complexity of preparing her final exhibition while dismantling decades of life in Trinidad. She expresses gratitude for her extraordinary experiences and artistic opportunities while acknowledging the inherent sadness of farewell. Nevertheless, she affirms the timeliness of this decision and anticipates familial connections in her next chapter.

    Her parting wisdom encourages focusing on life’s small blessings rather than lamenting circumstances, emphasizing appreciation over longing for alternatives. The exhibition not only showcases artistic legacy but embodies Beckett’s philosophical approach to transitions—honoring the past while embracing new beginnings.

  • Isabel Dennis on crusade to create safe learning places

    Isabel Dennis on crusade to create safe learning places

    Educator Isabel Dennis has pioneered an innovative educational framework rooted in Caribbean cultural heritage that is demonstrating remarkable success in transforming the school experience for students. Her groundbreaking Village System, currently being implemented at St. Anthony’s College in Diego Martin, represents the culmination of two decades of research into holistic education methods across multiple countries.

    The system draws inspiration from indigenous Caribbean wisdom preserved through traditional practices like kalinda (stickfighting) from the Bois Academy of Trinidad and Tobago. This approach has been adapted into four foundational pillars: culture, leadership, identity, and values, forming what Dennis describes as ‘restorative discipline.’ Rather than punitive measures, this method emphasizes accountability through constructive dialogue, asking students: ‘What happened?’ ‘Who was affected?’ and ‘How can we make it right?’

    Beyond conflict resolution, the comprehensive program integrates taekwondo, permaculture, and specialized leadership sessions directly into the curriculum. The initiative actively involves both parents and teachers through workshops addressing contemporary parenting challenges and providing educators with practical restorative tools for classroom management.

    Dennis’s motivation stems from personal childhood experiences of emotional insecurity in educational environments, driving her lifelong commitment to ensuring no child feels unsafe in schools. The program has already shown significant impact, with student participation expanding from 35 to 102 participants across three classes following demonstrated success in its initial pilot phase.

    Parental feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with reports of improved confidence, communication, and attitude toward school among participants. The program’s community-led approach demonstrates how educational transformation can occur without massive budgets or infrastructure changes, utilizing existing resources more effectively through culturally relevant methodologies.

    Looking forward, Dennis envisions expanding this model across 50 Caribbean schools within five years, fundamentally shifting educational conversations from exam performance to leadership development and cultural identity. The initiative represents a grassroots movement toward educational systems that honor Caribbean heritage while preparing students to shape their future with confidence and cultural pride.

  • O’Neil Odle, stickfighting in my blood

    O’Neil Odle, stickfighting in my blood

    In the traditional arena of Trinidadian stickfighting, known as the gayelle, 35-year-old O’Neil Odle from New Grant has established himself as a living legend. The four-time National Carnival Commission’s King of the Rock champion continues his dominant streak in 2026, securing victories at both the Debe Junction and Moruga competitions in January.

    Odle’s connection to the sport runs deeper than mere competition—it represents a profound family legacy. His late grandfather, Middle ‘Congo Bara’ Odle, and father, Middle Jr Odle, were both revered figures in the stickfighting community. Despite this heritage, Odle initially pursued boxing during his school years, maintaining an undefeated record across regional matches.

    The transition to stickfighting at age 18 came after boxing coaches rejected his aggressive training style. His mother expressed concerns about the violent nature of the sport, but Odle remained determined to follow his destiny. Sixteen years later, he has sustained numerous injuries, including four significant head wounds, yet his passion remains undiminished.

    Beyond the physical aspects, Odle emphasizes the mental discipline required for success. ‘You must control frustration and anger. Complete focus is essential—any distraction or emotional turmoil makes you vulnerable to strikes,’ he explains, noting how top fighters maintain remarkable calmness in the arena.

    Odle’s life outside the gayelle reflects similar resilience. Forced into maturity at 13 when his father passed away, he worked cutting cane to fund his education while supporting his six siblings. Now working in construction and father to two daughters, Odle views stickfighting as cultural preservation. ‘This tradition comes from our Merikin ancestors in the 1800s conflicts. It’s about lineage—it’s in our blood,’ he states, connecting his personal journey to broader historical narratives.

    With the National Stickfighting Finals approaching on February 9, Odle stands as the competitor to beat, embodying both athletic excellence and cultural continuity in Trinidad’s traditional martial art.