Carib Scope

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  • ASJA Girls’ Sando spike to three more wins in SSVL

    ASJA Girls’ Sando spike to three more wins in SSVL

    The Eastern Regional Indoor Sports Arena in Tacarigua witnessed exceptional volleyball prowess on January 13, 2026, as ASJA Girls’ College San Fernando’s under-15 squad delivered a stunning performance in the Secondary Schools Volleyball League (SSVL). The team achieved a remarkable triple victory, winning all matches in straight sets without conceding a single game.

    Demonstrating absolute dominance, ASJA’s under-15 players overwhelmed El Dorado West Secondary with a decisive 25-6, 25-6 triumph. They continued their commanding performance against St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain (SJCPoS) with a 25-6, 25-10 victory, and concluded their impressive run with a 25-13, 25-7 win over St Joseph’s Convent St Joseph.

    This outstanding achievement followed equally impressive results from ASJA’s under-17 team, which secured two victories during the tournament’s opening day on January 12, establishing the school as an early powerhouse in both age divisions.

    In other matches, St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain displayed remarkable resilience after dropping the first set 18-25 against their sister school St Joseph’s Convent St Joseph. The SJCPoS team mounted a strong comeback, taking the subsequent sets 25-15 and 15-4 to claim a 2-1 match victory. SJCPoS later earned a straight-sets win against El Dorado West Secondary (25-16, 25-20), though El Dorado put up a spirited resistance throughout the contest.

    El Dorado West Secondary concluded the competition day without any victories, suffering an additional defeat against St Joseph’s Convent St Joseph (25-14, 25-12), which secured their sole win during the intensely competitive tournament.

    The current SSVL season follows International School of Port of Spain’s capture of the girls’ under-15 championship title in the previous year, setting the stage for an exciting competitive season ahead.

  • Red Force women seal 16-run win over Windwards in T20 Blaze

    Red Force women seal 16-run win over Windwards in T20 Blaze

    In a remarkable display of spin bowling prowess, Trinidad and Tobago women’s cricket team secured their inaugural victory at the Cricket West Indies T20 Blaze tournament on January 15th. The match, held at Arnos Vale Playing Field in Kingstown, St Vincent, witnessed TT defend a modest total of 95/7 by bowling out Windward Islands for 79 with just three deliveries remaining.

    The victory was orchestrated primarily by the spin duo of veteran off-spinner Anita Mohammed and emerging talent Samara Ramnath. Mohammed, drawing from her extensive experience as former Red Force skipper, delivered a masterclass with figures of 3/10, while Ramnath complemented brilliantly with 3/12. Their combined effort dismantled Windwards’ batting lineup after they appeared comfortably positioned at 58/5 with eight overs remaining.

    TT’s batting performance initially seemed concerning as their top order collapsed dramatically, managing only 18 runs collectively from the first five batters. At a precarious 39/6 after 12 overs, the match seemed slipping away until Mohammed (29*) and Lee-Ann Kirby (28) staged a crucial 54-run partnership that ultimately proved match-winning. Kirby later contributed with the ball as well, claiming 2/8.

    In parallel tournament action, Barbados women continued their dominant run with a second consecutive victory, defeating Jamaica by six wickets. Chasing Jamaica’s 110/6, built on contributions from Abigail Bryce and Rashada Williams (both 33), Barbados reached 111/4 with three overs to spare thanks to openers Eboni Brathwaite (36) and Tristan Holder (23).

    The tournament resumes on January 17th with TT facing Leeward Islands, Barbados taking on Windwards, and Jamaica meeting Guyana.

  • Holders Acono Sauce storm into Norman Windball semis

    Holders Acono Sauce storm into Norman Windball semis

    The 2025/26 Norman Windball Cricket League quarterfinals delivered thrilling performances and decisive victories, headlined by reigning champions Acono Sauce’s commanding advance. On January 11 at Buggy Haynes recreation ground in Tacarigua, Acono Sauce delivered an emphatic 85-run triumph against Supersonic to secure their premier division semifinal berth.

    Acono’s batting lineup demonstrated formidable power, amassing 148 for six within their allotted 12 overs. Opening batsman Hanuman Moonsammy spearheaded the charge with a explosive 63-run performance, receiving substantial support from Raj Persad (23), Sarvesh Dindial (21 not out), and Ariz Khan (17). Supersonic’s response proved inadequate as they struggled to 63 for seven, with only Christopher Calderon (16) and James Sooknarine (10) reaching double figures. Joshua Ramrattan’s bowling excellence (three for 15) effectively dismantled Supersonic’s batting order.

    CSK mirrored this dominance with a crushing 68-run victory against More Fire International. Avian Mejias and Imtiaz Mohammed both contributed 24 runs to establish CSK’s total of 109 for five. More Fire’s batting collapsed spectacularly, managing merely 41 for eight against CSK’s relentless bowling attack led by Keron Noreiga’s impressive three for five figures.

    The tournament witnessed contrasting contests as Big Drip Heavy Hitters edged Savannah Crew Sports by ten runs in a tense low-scoring encounter. Israel Mangaroo’s 35 runs propelled Heavy Hitters to 77 for seven, ultimately defending their total by restricting Savannah Crew to 67 for seven.

    Minibar Reload secured their semifinal position with a 22-run win over Poison Sports. Kadeem Williams (34 not out) and Kapil Harry (22 not out) orchestrated a crucial 54-run partnership to set a competitive target of 82 for three. Poison Sports faltered at 60 for five, overwhelmed by Kyle Dookran’s extraordinary bowling performance of three for two from just two overs.

    The competition’s best-of-the-rest bracket saw Knock Squad defeat Backyard Ballers by 31 runs on January 10, highlighted by Kelvin Danpatia’s spectacular six for 14 bowling figures. The tournament continues with best-of-the-rest semifinals scheduled for January 17-18, while premier division semifinals are set for January 25.

  • Cricket facelift starts at QRC with 2026 season

    Cricket facelift starts at QRC with 2026 season

    Queen’s Royal College (QRC), historically renowned for its cricket excellence in Trinidad’s north zone, is embarking on an ambitious rebuilding mission in the Secondary Schools Cricket League (SSCL) premier I division. After securing promotion by winning the 2025 north championship division, QRC now prepares to compete against defending champions Presentation College Chaguanas and six other elite schools when the 50-over tournament commences on January 20.

    The institution boasts an impressive cricket heritage, having produced legendary West Indies wicketkeeper Deryck Murray during the 1950s-60s era, followed by standout performer Shirvan Pragg in the 1970s-80s. More recently, the school developed talents including former West Indies Under-15 captain Zaheer Ali, ex-Trinidad and Tobago cricketer Justin Guillen, and current national player Navin Bidaisee.

    Under the leadership of coach Calvin Phillip, QRC has initiated comprehensive reforms to revitalize its cricket program. Significant infrastructure improvements include upgraded practice nets on school grounds, while strategic partnerships with nearby TT Defence Force and The Harvard Coaching Clinic provide additional training facilities and pitch preparation support.

    Phillip acknowledges the challenges in rebuilding interest among students, noting that football and athletics typically attract more participation. However, he reports growing enthusiasm among junior forms, stating: ‘This marks the initial phase of our rebuilding journey. We’re cultivating a nursery of players from forms one through three to ensure long-term continuity.’

    Supported by team manager Curtis Roach and principal David Simon, the program demonstrates promising development. Phillip expresses confidence in his squad’s preparation and mentality: ‘The team possesses strong self-belief and our preparations have been well-organized. We aim to demonstrate that QRC remains committed to reclaiming its status among the nation’s top cricket programs.’

  • All-School team off to Florida for CASA Classic

    All-School team off to Florida for CASA Classic

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A select contingent of Jamaica’s most promising young football talent has departed for the United States to compete on the international stage. The 20-member Jamaica All-School team commenced their journey on Thursday, setting their sights on the prestigious 2026 Caribbean Americas Soccer Association (CASA) Youth Classic held in Lauderhill, Florida.

    The squad enters a competitive group stage where they must navigate matches against formidable opponents Tekkerz and ESP to secure advancement to the semi-final round. The tournament features a strong field of competitors, including teams Plantation, Rush, and the CASA All Stars, with the championship final scheduled for Sunday.

    Team composition highlights the depth of Jamaica’s schoolboy football system, drawing heavily from this season’s top performers. The roster includes seven representatives from daCosta Cup champion St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) and five players from all-island title holder Excelsior High, which claimed a 2-0 victory over STETHS in the decisive Olivier Shield final.

    Further strengthening the squad are three players from Jamaica College, two from Glenmuir High, and single representatives from Clarendon College, Eltham High, and St Catherine High, creating a balanced and talented national selection.

    The team’s campaign begins Friday at Lauderhill Sports Park with an opening match against Tekkerz, followed by a crucial encounter with ESP. These performances will be critically observed by professional scouts and college coaches attending the tournament, offering players potential pathways to higher-level competition.

    The full Jamaica All-School roster:
    – Jamari Gordon (Excelsior High)
    – Johnoi Steadman (STETHS)
    – Dantay Hewitt (STETHS)
    – Conroy Nicely (Glenmuir High)
    – Anthony Reid (Clarendon College)
    – Dujoni Thompson (Jamaica College)
    – Dontae Logan (Jamaica College)
    – Deandre Barnett (STETHS)
    – Dunsting Cogen (Glenmuir High)
    – Santana Headley (Eltham High)
    – Jabari Howell (Jamaica College)
    – Jade Lynch (STETHS)
    – Justin McPherson (STETHS)
    – Damarley Williams (Excelsior High)
    – Kahieem Lewis (STETHS)
    – Kivann Salmon (Excelsior High)
    – Kimarly Scott (Excelsior High)
    – Shemmar Stewart (STETHS)
    – Aldeano Walters (Excelsior High)
    – Kadean Young (St Catherine High)

  • MBU edge Tivoli Gardens to reclaim JPL lead

    MBU edge Tivoli Gardens to reclaim JPL lead

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Montego Bay United (MBU) has dramatically reclaimed pole position in the Jamaica Premier League following a narrow 1-0 triumph against Tivoli Gardens at the Edwards Seaga Sports Complex on Thursday. This crucial victory marks their third consecutive win, solidifying their championship credentials.

    The match’s solitary goal came from veteran striker Owayne Gordon, 34, who continued his impressive form by netting for the second successive game. Entering the fray as a 55th-minute substitute for the injured Jourdain Fletcher, Gordon made an immediate impact by expertly guiding the ball into the far left corner past goalkeeper Nicholas Clarke just seven minutes later. This decisive strike mirrored his previous match-winning contribution against Dunbeholden, where he also scored off the bench.

    The three points elevate Montego Bay United to 35 points, establishing a three-point cushion over closest rivals Racing United. This resurgence comes just a day after Racing United had momentarily drawn level on points following their emphatic 4-1 demolition of Treasure Beach.

    Thursday’s fixtures produced several other significant results. Portmore United spectacularly ended a five-match winless streak by overwhelming bottom-placed Spanish Town Police 4-0. Clayton Peck was the standout performer, opening the scoring in the 47th minute before converting a penalty just four minutes later. substitutes Marques Reid and Ronaldo Robinson completed the rout with late goals.

    Elsewhere, Chapelton Maroons delivered a commanding 3-0 performance against Arnett Gardens, exacting revenge for their first-round defeat. Robino Gordon, Damoi Whitfield, and Sean Leighton found the net, propelling Maroons to sixth position on goal difference ahead of Tivoli Gardens, with both teams tied on 22 points.

    The day’s action concluded with a dramatic late equalizer as Waterhouse FC’s Colorado Murray denied Harbour View a much-needed victory. Rohan Brown’s 54th-minute strike appeared to have secured the win for Harbour View until Murray’s 90th-minute intervention forced a 1-1 draw.

    These results have significantly intensified the title race while reshaping the mid-table standings with several games remaining in the season.

  • Social media sites block 4.7 million underage accounts in Australia

    Social media sites block 4.7 million underage accounts in Australia

    SYDNEY – Australia’s pioneering legislation prohibiting social media access for users under 16 has resulted in the removal of 4.7 million accounts since its implementation, according to the nation’s online safety regulatory body. The groundbreaking policy, which took effect on December 10, represents the world’s first comprehensive age restriction mandate for social media platforms.

    Initial compliance data indicates substantial action by major technology corporations to eliminate underage users from their platforms. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant confirmed that regulatory oversight and direct engagement with platforms have yielded significant outcomes in the policy’s initial phase. “Our regulatory guidance and collaborative efforts with platforms are already demonstrating substantial results,” Inman Grant stated.

    The legislative framework imposes severe financial penalties for non-compliance, with companies facing fines up to AU$49.5 million (approximately US$33 million) if they fail to implement “reasonable steps” to enforce the age restrictions. Major platforms including Meta, TikTok, and YouTube are subject to these requirements.

    Meta reported removing 331,000 underage accounts from Instagram, 173,000 from Facebook, and 40,000 from Threads during the week ending December 11. Despite this enforcement action, the company reiterated its position that app stores should bear responsibility for age verification and parental consent processes before under-16 users can download applications.

    The regulatory challenge involves preventing circumvention attempts, with Commissioner Inman Grant emphasizing that industry participants must actively work against users migrating to alternative platforms. While acknowledging that some determined teenagers may find creative workarounds, she compared the policy to other societal safety measures where success is measured through harm reduction and cultural norm transformation rather than perfect compliance.

    Notably, lesser-known platforms including BlueSky and Lemon8 experienced significant download surges preceding the ban’s implementation. Both platforms have acknowledged their obligation to comply with Australian regulations and are cooperating with the eSafety Commission.

    Given the rapidly evolving digital landscape and countless online services, the regulator maintains its compliance focus will prioritize platforms with the highest Australian user bases rather than attempting comprehensive coverage of all services.

  • Plans in place to respond to earthquakes – JCF

    Plans in place to respond to earthquakes – JCF

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaican authorities have publicly detailed their operational blueprint for responding to significant seismic events, emphasizing coordinated emergency management. Assistant Police Commissioner Dr. Gary McKenzie, overseeing Strategic Operations, articulated the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) structured approach during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank session on January 13.

    The disclosure coincides with the nation’s observance of Earthquake Awareness Week (January 11-18), championed under the banner ‘Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake’.

    Dr. McKenzie outlined the protocol: immediate activation of a central command headquarters followed by the swift establishment of subsidiary command units across all parishes. This foundational step ensures rapid deployment of resources and personnel. The strategy prioritizes seamless collaboration with critical national agencies, including the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the National Works Agency (NWA), and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

    A core component of the response is maintaining robust communication networks and achieving swift community penetration to manage public panic, direct traffic flow, and facilitate urgent aid. Citizens are urged to utilize official emergency channels to report crises promptly. The JCF, in tandem with the JFB, will secure perilous zones, implement necessary quarantines, and support search and rescue operations.

    Commissioner McKenzie reassured the public of the force’s operational preparedness, noting that personnel are extensively trained and equipped to handle diverse scenarios, from structural collapses and fires to hazardous material spills. Furthermore, the contingency plan includes deploying Marine Police units and JDF Coast Guard assets to address potential maritime threats, such as oil spills from critical coastal infrastructure like the PetroJam refinery.

    This initiative, spearheaded by ODPEM, aims to bolster societal resilience and enhance public consciousness regarding earthquake preparedness throughout Jamaica.

  • ‘The future is human’

    ‘The future is human’

    At a pivotal forum hosted by EY Caribbean at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, regional business leaders and government officials convened to address a critical challenge in the age of artificial intelligence: ensuring human ingenuity remains central to technological progress. The event, titled ‘The Future is Human: Leading Transformation with Confidence’, served as a platform for experts to examine the symbiotic relationship between human creativity and AI implementation.

    Agida Biervliet, Senior Manager of People Consulting at EY Suriname, set the tone by acknowledging technology’s accelerating pace while posing a fundamental question: “How do we design technology to amplify and protect our potential rather than diminish it?” This inquiry framed the day’s discussions as participants explored balancing technological adoption with human values.

    Jamaica’s Minister of Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation, Ambassador Audrey Marks, emphasized that digital transformation has transitioned from optional to essential for national development. “AI is no longer a thing of the future but the present,” Marks stated, highlighting the government’s focus on responsible and inclusive AI implementation aligned with ethical principles and public trust.

    The forum identified several implementation barriers including resistance to change, skill deficiencies, and cybersecurity concerns. Christopher Reckord, Chairman of the National Artificial Intelligence Task Force, offered a compelling perspective: “AI dominates probability, but humans dominate possibility.” He illustrated this concept by referencing the Wright brothers’ aviation breakthrough despite data suggesting human flight was impossible, warning that excluding employees from transformation processes guarantees resistance.

    EY’s CHARO 2030 Project Lead Anjelique Parnell presented compelling global data revealing that only 28% of companies successfully integrate AI with strong human teams, creating what she termed a “Talent Advantage.” These organizations outperform peers by 17 times with eightfold productivity increases, while those implementing AI on fragile talent structures experience up to 40% productivity declines.

    A cross-industry panel assessing regional AI readiness revealed varying stages of preparation. While CB Group’s CEO Matthew Lyn candidly assessed Jamaica as “not ready,” he described ongoing manufacturing applications including poultry grading and sterilization maintenance. Scotiabank’s VP of Human Resources Sheila Segree-White reported her organization was “getting ready” through enhanced global connectivity, while GraceKennedy’s CIO Deidre Cousins credited pandemic-driven adaptations for their “ready” status.

    Maria Thompson Walters, Executive Director of the Transformation Implementation Unit, acknowledged the public sector’s slower pace but emphasized systematic infrastructure development to enable successful transformation across government entities.

    The consensus emerged clearly: successful digital transformation requires technological investment grounded in human-centered leadership, ethical frameworks, and comprehensive workforce inclusion to avoid implementation failures that stem from organizational rather than technological deficiencies.

  • Venezuela’s Machado says she ‘presented’ Trump with Nobel medal

    Venezuela’s Machado says she ‘presented’ Trump with Nobel medal

    WASHINGTON, United States – In an unprecedented political maneuver, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump during a White House meeting on Thursday. The symbolic gesture aimed at winning Trump’s support came after the American leader had previously expressed that he deserved the award for his self-proclaimed efforts in conflict resolution.

    The meeting occurred against the backdrop of complex geopolitical shifts following the January 3rd U.S. military operation that deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Despite Machado’s democratic credentials, Trump has notably thrown his support behind Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro’s former vice president, who now leads an interim government conditional on her adherence to Washington’s directives, particularly regarding access to Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves.

    Machado, 58, addressed reporters outside the U.S. Capitol following her legislative meetings, characterizing the medal presentation as ‘recognition for [Trump’s] unique commitment with our freedom.’ The status of the Nobel medal remained unclear after their private discussion, compounded by the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s stipulation that prizes are non-transferable.

    The diplomatic landscape grew increasingly complex as Rodriguez delivered Maduro’s state of the nation address to Venezuela’s parliament while the deposed leader remains incarcerated in New York on drug trafficking charges. Rodriguez asserted her government’s readiness for diplomatic confrontation with Washington, stating they were ‘not afraid to confront them diplomatically, through political dialogue.’

    Concurrently, U.S. forces seized a sixth oil tanker as part of efforts to control Venezuela’s energy sector, while the first U.S.-brokered oil sale worth approximately $500 million was finalized. Rodriguez announced planned reforms to Venezuela’s oil legislation, though specifics remained undisclosed.

    The White House acknowledged Machado as a ‘remarkable and brave voice’ for Venezuelans but provided no timeline for potential elections. The administration did welcome Rodriguez’s release of dozens of political prisoners, though hundreds reportedly remain detained.

    Meanwhile, Cuba honored 32 soldiers killed during the operation that toppled Maduro, including members of his protection team, in a ceremony attended by revolutionary leader Raul Castro, highlighting the ongoing regional repercussions of Venezuela’s political transformation.