Carib Scope

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  • Joella Lloyd to Receive Full Government Sponsorship for International Competition

    Joella Lloyd to Receive Full Government Sponsorship for International Competition

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has committed to fully sponsoring national sprinter Joella Lloyd’s athletic career through a specialized financial assistance program. This decisive action emerged from Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, where officials unanimously endorsed comprehensive support for Lloyd’s training and competitive development as she targets major international competitions, including the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

    Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, confirmed the government’s commitment to providing direct sponsorship following substantive discussions about national sports development. The Cabinet’s resolution establishes a structured support program specifically designed to ensure Lloyd receives optimal training resources as she transitions from collegiate athletics to professional competition.

    This sponsorship arrangement represents a continuation of government support that began during Lloyd’s university years, where she previously received assistance while balancing academic and athletic pursuits. Having recently graduated, Lloyd can now dedicate her full attention to elite training and international competition preparation without financial constraints.

    The government’s investment reflects a strategic approach to sports development, recognizing Lloyd’s potential to represent Antigua and Barbuda on the global stage. The program will facilitate her participation in qualifying meets and provide necessary resources for her Olympic qualification campaign. This endorsement positions Lloyd as a flagship athlete in the nation’s sports development initiative, with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics serving as the primary long-term objective for both the athlete and her supporting government.

  • Dominica appoints three new magistrates to tackle case backlog

    Dominica appoints three new magistrates to tackle case backlog

    Dominica’s judicial system has reached a significant milestone with the appointment of three new magistrates in late 2025, bringing the country’s total to a full complement of eight judicial officers. Chief Magistrate Candia Carrette-George made the announcement during the New Law Year opening ceremony at the State House Conference Centre, marking a transformative development for the nation’s legal infrastructure.

    The newly appointed magistrates bring diverse legal expertise to their positions. Marie-Louise Pierre Louis, sworn in October 2025, transitions from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions with substantial criminal law experience and will primarily handle criminal matters. November saw the appointment of Pearlisa Morvan, previously from the Attorney General’s chambers, who will preside over case management hearings, civil litigation, and coroner’s court proceedings. Kimala Alfred, sworn in December 2025, joins from the legal aid clinic and will primarily oversee family and criminal cases.

    Chief Magistrate Carrette-George emphasized that this judicial expansion represents a strategic advancement in addressing systemic challenges within Dominica’s court system. The appointments are expected to significantly enhance court efficiency through improved case management protocols and specialized case allocation. This development directly targets the reduction of case backlogs that have hampered judicial timeliness, ensuring more effective disposition of legal matters across criminal, civil, and family court divisions.

    The achievement of a full magistrate complement underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening judicial capacity and access to justice. This structural enhancement positions Dominica’s legal system for improved service delivery and operational effectiveness throughout 2026 and beyond.

  • OECS Heads meet on urgent regional and geopolitical matters

    OECS Heads meet on urgent regional and geopolitical matters

    In a significant gathering marking his inaugural leadership, Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday of St. Vincent and the Grenadines chaired the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Heads of Government meeting in St. Lucia on January 13, 2026. The summit, hosted by St. Lucian Prime Minister Honourable Philip J Pierre, brought together regional leaders including Prime Ministers Roosevelt Skerrit (Dominica), Dickon Mitchell (Grenada), Dr. Terrance Drew (St. Kitts and Nevis), along with Premiers Reuben T Meade (Montserrat), Dr. Natalio Wheatley (British Virgin Islands), and Cora Richardson-Hodge (Anguilla), accompanied by OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules.

    The assembly addressed pressing geopolitical concerns, particularly monitoring developments between Venezuela and the United States and their potential implications for economic stability, regional security, energy provisions, migration patterns, and diplomatic relations. Reaffirming their commitment to hemispheric peace and stability, the leaders established a coordinated approach to US requests regarding Third Country Nationals (TCNs).

    Several OECS members have already signed non-binding memoranda with the United States, prompting the creation of a high-level, broad-based negotiating team to conduct technical discussions on migration matters. The leaders simultaneously addressed Citizenship by Investment Programs (CIPs), committing to enhanced regulatory frameworks through proposed legislative reforms and the establishment of an independent regional authority, while emphasizing continued dialogue with international partners including the European Union.

    In security enhancements, the governments pledged to implement biometric systems for travelers across OECS nations to strengthen border security while facilitating seamless travel experiences for citizens and visitors. Recognizing the rapidly evolving global landscape, the leaders agreed to maintain frequent political caucuses ensuring coordinated decision-making and reaffirmed their dedication to regional solidarity, principled international engagement, and sustainable development. The communique concluded with commitments to enhanced public communication regarding decisions affecting OECS citizens.

  • Trump: “Venezuela Will Soon Be Great and Prosperous Again”

    Trump: “Venezuela Will Soon Be Great and Prosperous Again”

    In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump and Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez held an extensive telephone conversation on Wednesday, marking a potential turning point in previously strained bilateral relations. The Venezuelan Embassy characterized the dialogue as “extended, productive, and courteous,” emphasizing that the exchange occurred within “a framework of mutual respect.”

    The discussion established a comprehensive bilateral work agenda addressing mutual benefits and longstanding issues between the two governments. President Trump subsequently confirmed the diplomatic breakthrough through his Truth Social platform, describing the conversation as “very good” and noting substantial progress toward stabilizing and revitalizing Venezuela’s economy and infrastructure.

    Key negotiation points included energy resources, particularly oil production, mineral assets, trade relations, and national security considerations. Trump enthusiastically endorsed the emerging partnership as “spectacular FOR ALL,” concluding with an optimistic projection that “Venezuela will soon be great and prosperous again, perhaps more so than ever before!”

    This diplomatic engagement follows recent heightened tensions after U.S. forces captured former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, currently facing narcotics charges in American courts. Trump previously asserted that the United States would “run” Venezuela during a transitional period to stabilize the nation and rebuild critical sectors including its oil industry.

    Rodríguez’s assumption of acting presidential duties and demonstrated cooperation with Washington prompted Trump to cancel a second wave of planned U.S. operations against Venezuela. This goodwill gesture followed Caracas’ release of numerous prisoners, indicating mutual confidence-building measures between the historically adversarial nations.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Friday January 16th 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Friday January 16th 2026

    The multi-billion dollar dietary supplement industry continues to operate in a regulatory gray zone, leaving consumers to navigate a marketplace with limited oversight and substantial health risks. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs that undergo rigorous FDA testing before reaching consumers, supplements enter the market with minimal pre-approval requirements, creating potential dangers that often only surface after products have caused harm.

    The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 established the current regulatory framework that treats supplements more like food than drugs. This legislation placed the burden of proving safety primarily on the FDA after products are already available to consumers, rather than requiring manufacturers to demonstrate efficacy and safety beforehand. The result is a marketplace where new products can be introduced with little more than notification to regulators.

    Recent analyses reveal alarming trends: contaminated products, undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients, and exaggerated health claims proliferate across the industry. Weight loss supplements, sexual enhancement products, and pre-workout formulas consistently rank among the most problematic categories. Medical professionals report increasing cases of liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and dangerous interactions with prescription medications linked to supplement use.

    Consumer protection advocates are calling for significant reforms to the regulatory system, including mandatory third-party testing, stricter manufacturing standards, and increased authority for the FDA to remove dangerous products promptly. Meanwhile, healthcare providers recommend that consumers consult medical professionals before using supplements, research products through independent sources, and remain skeptical of miraculous health claims.

  • Rudder starts Kaiso Conversations with Bocas Lit Fest

    Rudder starts Kaiso Conversations with Bocas Lit Fest

    Amidst the vibrant energy of the 2026 Carnival season, the Bocas Lit Fest is launching an innovative series titled ‘Kaiso Conversations’ dedicated to exploring the literary artistry of calypso songwriting. The inaugural event will feature an intimate dialogue with Trinidadian musical icon David Rudder on January 20th.

    The celebrated calypsonian will join music critic Nigel A Campbell on stage at Kafe Blue in Port of Spain for a deep examination of calypso’s lyrical traditions, creative influences, and literary significance. This special engagement serves a dual purpose as a fundraiser supporting the literary festival’s year-round initiatives promoting writers and readers across Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region.

    Festival director Nicholas Laughlin emphasized the natural alignment between calypso and literary arts: ‘We’ve consistently maintained that Bocas revolves around words, stories, and ideas across all formats. Trinidad’s premier calypsonians have historically functioned as cultural critics, political commentators, and philosophical voices. Their lyrics constitute enduring components of our literary heritage.’

    Conceptualized through a partnership between Campbell and the Bocas Lit Fest, the series draws inspiration from Professor Gordon Rohlehr’s critical work challenging Derek Walcott’s skeptical view of calypso as poetry. Campbell notes the significant recognition calypso has received from Caribbean literary giants, including Nobel laureates who have acknowledged the form’s artistic merit.

    Tickets for this 6:30 PM event are priced at $100, with proceeds directly supporting the NGO’s educational programs. Attendees can secure seats through online platforms or at the venue box office, with doors opening at 5:30 PM.

  • Judge rules in favour of San Carlos Estate owner

    Judge rules in favour of San Carlos Estate owner

    In a landmark property rights decision, High Court Justice Margaret Mohammed has ruled in favor of Arima landowner Trevor Kerry in his protracted legal battle against the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) regarding mineral extraction rights on disputed lands within the San Carlos Estate.

    The court determined that Kerry holds legitimate entitlement to conduct quarrying operations for stone, sand, gravel, clay, earth, and similar minerals across two designated lots (D and G) at the estate. This judicial clarification concludes years of contentious negotiations and correspondence between the parties concerning electrical infrastructure installation and maintenance on the properties.

    Legal representatives Nirad Samnadda-Ramrekersingh and Richard Freeman successfully argued that Kerry’s ownership, established through a chain of deeds originating in 1959, conferred comprehensive mineral extraction privileges. They demonstrated that T&TEC had erroneously interpreted the definition of ‘mines and minerals’ within the historical documentation, incorrectly including materials specifically excluded from the original contractual language.

    T&TEC’s defense team, led by Keith Scotland, SC, and Asha Watkins-Monsterin, maintained that Kerry’s claim lacked legal foundation and attempted to revisit matters settled in previous 2020 litigation involving adjacent San Carlos parcels. However, Justice Mohammed’s meticulous examination of historical conveyances and prior judicial determinations revealed critical distinctions.

    The court established that a pivotal 1959 deed between Stollmeyer Ltd and Frank Kerry granted only an undivided half-share of mineral rights specifically limited to petroleum, bituminous, and hydrocarbon substances. Crucially, common quarry materials including stone, sand, clay, and gravel were expressly excluded from this conveyance and remained within the claimant’s uncontested ownership rights.

    Furthermore, the judgment clarified that through subsequent acquisitions, Kerry obtained Stollmeyer Ltd’s retained mineral half-share plus the explicit right to ‘dig and get’ mineral materials from the lands. This entitlement extends beyond his owned parcels to other estate areas, contingent upon appropriate compensation to other beneficiaries for extraction activities conducted on their respective parcels, as stipulated in the original 1959 agreement.

  • President cautions THA: With great power comes responsibility

    President cautions THA: With great power comes responsibility

    In an unprecedented electoral outcome, the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) has achieved a complete sweep of all 15 seats in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), marking a historic moment in the island’s political landscape. The inauguration ceremony held on January 15 in Scarborough solidified this political dominance with Farley Chavez Augustine officially sworn in as Chief Secretary.

    This electoral victory represents only the second instance in Tobago’s history of a single-party clean sweep, but notably the first occurrence since the expansion to 15 electoral districts. The swearing-in ceremony witnessed Dr. Faith Brebnor maintaining her position as Deputy Chief Secretary, while Niall George and Niketa George assumed roles as presiding officer and deputy presiding officer respectively.

    President Christine Kangaloo presided over the ceremonial proceedings, characterizing the electoral outcome as “resounding and unambiguous.” In her address, she emphasized the extraordinary nature of a government operating without parliamentary opposition, noting the potential challenges of such an arrangement. “A mandate that results in no opposing voice in the assembly is a mandate that has to be exercised with great care, and with great maturity,” President Kangaloo cautioned.

    The President expressed concern about the erosion of traditional political guardrails in contemporary governance, warning against the disappearance of “enduring principles and shared standards that guide and inspire higher standards of human conduct.” She specifically referenced reported breaches of ethical political conduct during the campaign period, including inappropriate language, race-baiting, and vandalism of political materials.

    Despite these concerns, President Kangaloo expressed confidence in Tobagonian civil society organizations to maintain accountability mechanisms in the absence of formal opposition. She highlighted the distinctive character of Tobagonian society, renowned for “temperance and decorum; their moderation and self-discipline; their circumspection and propriety.”

    Newly appointed Presiding Officer Niall George acknowledged the assembly’s responsibility to function as “servant leaders” for the Tobagonian populace. He emphasized the assembly’s commitment to autonomy for Tobago while promising collaborative governance with Trinidad’s central government. “This assembly pledges to provide all members with essential parliamentary advice, support and assistance, despite party affiliations,” George stated, underscoring the commitment to impartial administration.

    The Minority Leader position remains officially vacant following the election, creating a unique parliamentary dynamic that will test the assembly’s governance frameworks in the coming term.

  • Agostini opens hybrid Superpharm/Presto in South Park

    Agostini opens hybrid Superpharm/Presto in South Park

    Agostini Ltd, the parent company of both SuperPharm and Presto, has unveiled a groundbreaking retail concept with the inauguration of its 11th SuperPharm branch at South Park on January 15. This innovative establishment represents Trinidad’s first hybrid store merging pharmaceutical services with fresh food retail under one roof.

    The grand opening ceremony featured distinguished attendees including San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris, Presto’s Business Development Director Jean-Luc Moutte, Store Manager Jolene Wallace, Senior Pharmacist Mathew Ragoonanan, SuperPharm CEO Glenn Maharaj, and event host Michelle Perryman.

    CEO Glenn Maharaj characterized the SuperPharm-Presto Hybrid Experience as a strategically designed ‘store within a store’ concept that seamlessly integrates pharmacy services, convenience shopping, and fresh food offerings. “This innovative format reflects our conviction that wellness encompasses medication, professional advice, nutrition, life balance, and convenience—all supported by advanced technology, robust systems, and genuine human care,” Maharaj stated.

    The executive emphasized that Presto’s emphasis on quick, accessible, fresh local produce perfectly complements SuperPharm’s healthcare mission. This hybrid model positions the company for future growth while maintaining adaptability to evolving consumer needs without compromising established trust and quality standards.

    Celebrating over two decades of operation since its 2005 founding, SuperPharm has consistently prioritized healthcare accessibility, affordability, and convenience. Maharaj recalled the company’s pioneering approach: “From our inception, we implemented extended hours and drive-thru services as deliberate commitments to convenience—not as afterthoughts. We designed our services for shift workers, families, seniors, and anyone requiring prompt, safe, and efficient healthcare solutions.”

    The company maintains its dedication to affordability through initiatives like Seniors Day, offering 10% discounts to customers over 60, and the My Day Super Cards program providing similar discounts every Friday for individuals managing chronic conditions. While embracing technological advancements including e-commerce platforms and sophisticated operating systems, Maharaj affirmed that the company’s fundamental standards of excellence remain unchanged throughout its evolution.

  • Lincoln Center show a huge success: Kes appears on Pix 11

    Lincoln Center show a huge success: Kes appears on Pix 11

    Caribbean music achieved an unprecedented milestone at New York’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts as Kes the Band delivered a groundbreaking, sold-out two-night performance during the Unity Jazz Festival on January 8-9. This historic engagement marked the first time soca music headlined the festival’s prestigious program.

    Against the dazzling panoramic backdrop of Columbus Circle in Manhattan, the Trinidadian band transformed the Frederick P. Rose Hall and Appel Room into a vibrant celebration of Caribbean musical heritage. Frontman Kees Dieffenthaller described the experience as “opening an entire new book of possibilities” for the band’s artistic expression and their mission to spread musical love globally.

    The performances featured intimate, reimagined interpretations of Kes the Band’s celebrated catalog, blending soca, calypso, soul, rock, and jazz elements. This innovative approach bridged traditional Caribbean musical expression with jazz traditions, simultaneously honoring ancestral foundations while expanding contemporary sound boundaries.

    Notable musical moments included creative interpolations of hits like “Hello,” “Fallin,” and “Savannah Grass” alongside homages to Caribbean legends Lord Invader and The Mighty Sparrow. The collaboration with acclaimed Trinidadian jazz trumpeter Etienne Charles underscored the deep cultural connections between jazz and Caribbean music, adding magical depth and nuance to the festival’s celebration of heritage.

    The event also featured emerging talents including young US saxophonists Abdias Armenteros and Chris Lewis from the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, highlighting the organization’s commitment to musical mentorship across generations.

    This landmark achievement comes amid Kes the Band’s growing international momentum, following the global success of their hit single “Rum and Coca Cola” with Tano, which recently charted on Apple Music’s Top 100 in over 20 countries. The performances demonstrated the band’s ability to command world-class stages while maintaining their authentic Caribbean identity.