Carib Scope

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  • Jamaicans Powell, King on course for Windies T20 World Cup squad

    Jamaicans Powell, King on course for Windies T20 World Cup squad

    Cricket West Indies is poised to include batsmen Rovman Powell and Brandon King as the only Jamaican representatives in its final squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. While a provisional roster has been submitted to cricket’s global governing body, the definitive team selection will be formally announced following the conclusion of the T20 series against Afghanistan on January 22.

    Rovman Powell, despite being relieved of his T20 captaincy by Head Coach Daren Sammy in 2025, remains a crucial asset to the Caribbean side. Appointed skipper in February 2023, the 32-year-old power hitter guided the team to 19 victories in 37 T20 internationals, including a notable Super 8 stage performance at the 2024 World Cup hosted in the Caribbean. Under his leadership, the West Indies ascended from ninth to fifth in the ICC T20I rankings. Nevertheless, Shai Hope succeeded him as captain in March 2025. Powell’s consistent performance—scoring 321 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 154 in 2025, with a highest score of 79 against England—cements his place for a third consecutive World Cup appearance.

    Brandon King, named captain for the Afghanistan series commencing next Monday, is also anticipated to secure his third straight World Cup selection. The 31-year-old top-order batsman, who maintains a career average of 26 with a strike rate of 133, recorded two half-centuries in 10 innings last year, both achieved during the home series against Australia in July.

    Miles Bascombe, CWI Director of Cricket, clarified the selection strategy, emphasizing that the Afghanistan series would serve as the final evaluative stage before solidifying the squad. “We have the good fortune of having Afghanistan and South Africa before we head into the warm-up matches for the World Cup,” Bascombe stated during an interview with WESN TV in Trinidad. “We submitted a provisional squad as required, but we informed the ICC that following the series against Afghanistan is when we will formalize our squad.”

    The inclusion of Powell and King ensures Jamaica’s uninterrupted representation across all 10 editions of the T20 World Cup, albeit marking the first instance with no more than two players from the island. The two-time champion West Indies will commence their Group C campaign against Bangladesh on February 7, followed by matches against England, Nepal, and Italy, with the top two teams advancing to the quarter-finals.

  • US becoming a lawless dump under Trump

    US becoming a lawless dump under Trump

    A former Trump supporter has voiced grave concerns about the current administration’s trajectory, warning that the United States appears to be descending into a “might makes right” approach to governance. The letter to the editor expresses particular alarm over recent incidents involving federal agents and the subsequent official responses.

    The shooting death of Renee Good, a mother who reportedly posed no apparent threat during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation, has raised serious questions about the use of lethal force. Despite the gravity of the incident, no credible evidence has emerged to justify the fatal shooting, according to the author.

    More disturbing than the incident itself, the writer argues, has been the response from senior administration officials. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s attempts to rationalize the killing have sparked concerns about a pattern of excusing rather than investigating violence by state actors.

    This pattern appears to be escalating, with recent reports of U.S. Border Patrol officers shooting and wounding two individuals in Portland. These incidents, the author contends, are not isolated events but rather indicative of a dangerous normalization of aggressive enforcement tactics and a disregard for accountability.

    The underlying concern extends beyond specific locations to a national pattern characterized by the deployment of military-style force in American cities, the intimidation of immigrant communities, and what appears to be a casual justification of deaths at the hands of federal agents. This trend suggests a government increasingly comfortable exercising raw power rather than adhering to established rule of law principles.

    The author concludes with a sobering warning: when authority operates without restraint, every citizen’s rights become conditional. The erosion of democratic norms in the United States carries global implications, potentially influencing how power is exercised throughout the hemisphere and beyond.

  • 14 Trinidad and Tobago officials appointed to 2026 Fifa referees panel

    14 Trinidad and Tobago officials appointed to 2026 Fifa referees panel

    In a significant recognition of officiating excellence, Trinidad and Tobago has secured an unprecedented 14 appointments to the FIFA referees panel for 2026. The appointments, announced by FIFA on January 6, include assistant referee Caleb Wales, who previously demonstrated his expertise at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

    The distinguished roster features referees Timothy Derry, Cecile Hinds, Nikolai Nyron, Andrew Samuel, Crystal Sobers, Kwinsi Williams, and Nathalya Williams. They are joined by assistant referees Kirt Charles, Evelyn Carissa Douglas, Keron Myers, Melissa Nicholas, Shash Ramsaroop, and Ainsley Rochard. The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) formally congratulated the officials through a media release on January 12.

    TTFA President Kieron Edwards characterized this development as a pivotal moment for the nation’s football community. He emphasized that these appointments result from years of dedicated sacrifice, continuous development, and unwavering commitment to excellence rather than mere chance. Edwards noted that the officials have earned regional and international respect through their disciplined approach and thorough preparation.

    The TTFA stated that these appointments not only reflect the consistency and professionalism of Trinidad and Tobago’s refereeing program but also reinforce the country’s reputation for producing officials capable of performing at the highest levels of international football. This achievement underscores the football body’s conviction that Trinidad and Tobago can produce world-class quality both on and off the field, with referees being considered essential components in the growth and development of the sport within the nation.

  • Costa, Heatwave appeal High Court decision to clear Pan Am trials

    Costa, Heatwave appeal High Court decision to clear Pan Am trials

    In a dramatic escalation of an ongoing sporting dispute, national cyclist Alexi Costa-Ramirez and her Heatwave Cycling Club have formally appealed a High Court decision that permitted the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF) to proceed with selection trials for the Pan American Track Cycling Championships. The appeal, filed on January 14, seeks to overturn Justice Westmin James’s January 13 ruling that denied an interim injunction against endurance trials scheduled for January 17.

    The legal confrontation stems from broader proceedings involving multiple athletes—including Njisane Phillip and Makaira Wallace of JLD Cycling Academy—who are contesting the fairness of the federation’s selection methodology for February’s continental championships. The appellants assert the trial judge committed significant judicial errors by refusing to halt the selection process.

    Central to their appeal is the challenge against the judge’s finding that certain claimants had submitted performance data without attending trials, and the determination that canceling trials would disproportionately harm the federation. Heatwave and Costa-Ramirez contend the TTCF bears an implied contractual duty to ensure equitable treatment of all athletes during selection.

    They further argue that financial compensation cannot remedy the potential loss of competing at a prestigious event like the Pan American Championships—a critical qualifying pathway to the Olympic Games. The appeal emphasizes that proceeding with the trials could inflict irreversible damage on athletes’ careers during a pivotal moment in the Olympic cycle, while pausing them would not significantly disadvantage the federation.

    As part of their requested relief, the appellants seek an order from the Court of Appeal to restrain the TTCF from conducting the January 17 endurance trials. They also request coverage of legal costs from both the appeal and prior proceedings. Given the time-sensitive nature of the selection process, the appellants plan to request an expedited hearing under Part 64.10 of the Civil Proceedings Rules.

  • Four new Brechin Castle Golf champs crowned

    Four new Brechin Castle Golf champs crowned

    The 2026 Brechin Castle Golf Open concluded with spectacular fashion as new champions emerged across all divisions in Couva. The tournament, which commenced on January 9, witnessed remarkable comebacks and intense competition throughout its three-day duration.

    Marcus Ling delivered the most impressive performance of the championship, staging a magnificent final-day recovery to secure the men’s title. After trailing behind overnight leader Liam Bryden, Ling demonstrated exceptional composure to card a steady 72, finishing with an aggregate score of 216. Bryden settled for runner-up position at 219, while the battle for third place required a countback decision that ultimately favored young Ross Ramkissoon over Alex Kangoo. Club veteran John Rampersad completed the top five with 224, simultaneously capturing the best net prize.

    The women’s championship witnessed a generational shift as teenage sensation Isabella Ramdeen dethroned defending champion Victoria Seenath. Ramdeen’s final-round 78 secured her a winning total of 242, narrowly surpassing Seenath’s 244. Former titleholder Jada Charles claimed third position with 246, while promising newcomer Arianna Khan earned the best net trophy.

    Nandlal Ramlakhan, the 2025 Brechin Castle Player of the Year, showcased his experience in the first flight division, overcoming overnight leader Asa Roopchand via countback after both golfers finished tied at 242. The host club demonstrated remarkable dominance as Amir Ali (243) and Kevesh Ramnath (248) completed a clean sweep of the top four positions.

    The second flight competition saw Riaz Ali surge to victory with 170, edging out teenage contender Kaiden Baynes (172), while Kumar Boodram (176) and Navin Dookeran (177) secured third and fourth places respectively. Reid Sonnilal had previously been crowned third flight champion during the tournament’s second day.

    Brechin Castle members have celebrated the event as a resounding success, marking the beginning of an action-packed 2026 schedule for Trinidad and Tobago’s golfing community. The tournament’s organization and competitive standard have set a positive precedent for upcoming championships in the region.

  • EBC confirms TPP clean sweep, THA results unchanged after 2 recounts

    EBC confirms TPP clean sweep, THA results unchanged after 2 recounts

    The Tobago House of Assembly elections have culminated in an unprecedented political transformation as official recounts finalized the Tobago People’s Party’s complete domination of the legislative body. Following meticulous reviews in two contested districts—Darrel Spring/Whim and Scarborough/Mt. Grace—the Elections and Boundaries Commission verified the initial results, cementing the TPP’s extraordinary 15-0 victory over the People’s National Movement.

    In Darrel Spring/Whim, the electoral battle proved exceptionally tight with the TPP candidate securing 838 votes against PNM’s 826, a mere 12-vote margin that prompted the recount request. The Scarborough/Mt. Grace district demonstrated a more decisive outcome with TPP capturing 854 votes versus PNM’s 702. Both recounts, initiated by the PNM following the January 12 poll, concluded without altering the original outcomes.

    This electoral sweep represents a dramatic reversal from the previous assembly composition, eliminating the PNM’s sole representative, Kelvon Morris, who held the Darrel Spring/Whim seat. The comprehensive defeat has triggered significant political repercussions within the PNM, including Tobago council leader Ancil Dennis announcing his intention to resign from leadership.

    The TPP’s triumph continues the political trajectory established by its predecessor, the Progressive Democratic Patriots, which achieved a 14-1 victory in the 2021 THA election. Despite experiencing a 4.1% decrease in total votes (16,240 compared to PDP’s 16,933 in 2021), the TPP has consolidated its control over Tobago’s political landscape, building upon its successful capture of both Tobago West and Tobago East constituencies in the 2025 general election.

    Voter turnout reached a historic low at approximately 50.69% of the island’s 53,239 registered voters, reflecting diminished support for both major parties. The PNM witnessed a significant 12.4% decline in voter support compared to the 2021 elections.

    With the electoral process formally concluded, the THA is preparing for its inauguration ceremony scheduled for January 15. The assembly is expected to prioritize amendments to the THA Act that would expand governance structures, including increasing the number of Secretaries from seven to eleven and adjusting quorum requirements from nine to twelve members to accommodate the new political reality.

  • Red Force Divas fall to Barbados in T20 Blaze opener

    Red Force Divas fall to Barbados in T20 Blaze opener

    In a dramatic opening match of the 2026 Cricket West Indies T20 Blaze tournament, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force Divas suffered a narrow three-wicket defeat against Barbados at Arnos Vale Playing Field in St. Vincent on January 13. The low-scoring thriller culminated with Barbados reaching their target of 98 runs with nine deliveries remaining, despite a formidable bowling performance from TT’s spin attack.

    The TT women’s batting lineup struggled throughout their innings, managing just 97 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Veteran batter Britney Cooper provided stability with an unbeaten 33 runs from 36 deliveries, while captain Karishma Ramharack contributed 21 not out from 23 balls. Barbados opening bowler Naijanni Cumberbatch emerged as the bowling standout with impressive figures of 2/18.

    Barbados faced early pressure when TT leg-spinner Brianna Harricharan delivered a spectacular spell, claiming three wickets for just eight runs and reducing the Bajans to 68/6 by the 15th over. The match seemed poised for a TT victory until all-rounder Shamilia Connell displayed remarkable composure under pressure. Known primarily for her bowling, Connell smashed 16 not out from just ten deliveries, including the match-winning boundary off medium-pacer Amrita Ramtahal that sealed the victory.

    The tournament opener sets the stage for an competitive series, with TT scheduled to face Windwards in their second match on January 15. In other opening day results, Guyana secured a seven-run victory against Windwards in another low-scoring affair, while Leewards Islands claimed a nine-run win over Jamaica.

  • Government touts new anti-crime bill: Special zones for ‘hot spots’

    Government touts new anti-crime bill: Special zones for ‘hot spots’

    The Trinidad and Tobago government has announced a comprehensive legislative offensive against crime, revealing dramatic security improvements since taking office in April 2024. Minister of Land and Legal Affairs Saddam Hosein and Attorney General John Jeremie outlined their strategy during a January 14 media briefing at the United National Congress headquarters in Chaguanas.

    The administration’s centerpiece legislation, the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations, Special Security and Community Development Measures) Bill, represents a targeted approach to combating crime in specific hotspots without implementing a nationwide state of emergency. This legislation builds upon lessons learned during previous security operations that successfully disrupted communication between incarcerated gang leaders and their external networks.

    Attorney General Jeremie emphasized the tangible results of these efforts: “The disruption yielded tangible benefits,” noting significant declines in murders, shootings, and violent crimes. The proposed zones would operate under strict judicial oversight with clearly defined procedures and time limits to ensure proportional responses to security threats.

    The government also responded to public concerns regarding traffic enforcement, announcing amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act that would introduce a system of mandatory warnings for certain offenses while maintaining road discipline initiatives.

    Minister Hosein presented compelling statistics demonstrating the administration’s impact on public safety. Murder rates dropped 42% from 626 in 2024 to 369 in 2025, while gang-related murders plummeted from 273 to 108 during the same period. Security forces have seized 292 firearms and 4,341 rounds of ammunition since the implementation of their security measures.

    Additional legislative agenda items include amendments to the Tobago House of Assembly Act, expected to receive bipartisan support following recent elections. The government emphasized its commitment to transparency through voluntary media briefings, underscoring their dedication to accountability beyond constitutional requirements.

  • Maitland lacked murderer’s profile, former supervisor tells court

    Maitland lacked murderer’s profile, former supervisor tells court

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – A serving police inspector delivered unexpected testimony Wednesday in the murder trial of Constable Noel Maitland, expressing profound astonishment at the charges against his former subordinate. The inspector, currently stationed at Rockfort Police Station in the Kingston Eastern Division, appeared as a defense character witness in the high-profile case.

    The court heard how the veteran officer characterized Maitland as a dedicated professional who displayed no indicators of violent tendencies. “I was very surprised. This came as a shock,” the inspector testified. “Nothing in his behavior and general character suggested that he was a person who could have done something like that.”

    Maitland faces charges of murder and preventing the lawful burial of his girlfriend, Donna-Lee Donaldson, who vanished from the Chelsea Manor Apartments in St. Andrew on July 12, 2022. The apartment was Maitland’s registered residence at the time of Donaldson’s disappearance.

    Under cross-examination by Director of Public Prosecutions Claudette Thompson, the inspector elaborated on his perception of typical murder suspects. He suggested such individuals often demonstrate visible signs of rage, uncontrollable behavior, and violent outbursts – particularly during high-stress public interactions. These traits, he maintained, were completely absent in Maitland’s professional conduct.

    The inspector portrayed the accused constable as an exemplary officer who required minimal supervision and demonstrated exceptional reliability in his duties. “He was serious about his work so he would arrive early. He would always be on top of things to be done,” the witness told the seven-member jury.

    Testimony revealed Maitland primarily handled prisoner transport operations, responsible for transferring detainees between facilities including Constant Spring, Red Hills, Lawrence Tavern, and Grants Pen. His supervisor described him as “very vibrant” and sociable, noting he often became “the center of attention” in social settings due to his outgoing personality.

    The prosecution challenged the witness’s familiarity with Maitland’s private life, prompting the inspector to acknowledge he had no knowledge of Maitland’s relationships with either Donaldson or Kathanya Smith, the mother of Maitland’s child. The inspector also confirmed providing an earlier statement to prosecutors, technically making him a Crown witness despite his defense testimony.

    With the defense resting its case after this testimony, the trial proceeds to closing arguments from the prosecution team on Thursday.

  • Gramps Morgan upbeat as Sunshine Girl goes gold

    Gramps Morgan upbeat as Sunshine Girl goes gold

    Roy ‘Gramps’ Morgan of the renowned Morgan Heritage collective has shared captivating insights into the spontaneous creation of J Boog’s hit single ‘Sunshine Girl,’ recently certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The certification recognizes the track’s remarkable achievement of exceeding 500,000 units in combined sales and streaming equivalents.

    In an exclusive interview with the Jamaica Observer, Gramps recounted the extraordinary night following an awards ceremony when the song came to life. ‘It was an incredible night after an award show,’ he recalled. ‘The owner of Washhouse Records, Jonas Teel, suggested going into the studio, and I immediately agreed.’

    The creative process unfolded during a spontaneous journey across Williamsburg Bridge en route to Manhattan’s recording facilities. Gramps collaborated with his late brother Peetah Morgan to compose the entire song during this transit. ‘By the time we arrived, the song was complete, and we taught the artist the composition upon reaching the studio,’ Gramps revealed, emphasizing the joyful cultural exchange between Polynesian and Jamaican influences evident in the lyrics.

    Recorded at Wyclef Jean’s New York studio, the track represents a significant milestone in Gramps’ production career. ‘This is an incredible achievement,’ he expressed. ‘When I produced the song, it centered on cultural blending and sharing Jamaica’s musical history. This is a ska track, not conventional reggae, and we aimed to educate the artist about musical roots.’

    The song appears on J Boog’s 2011 album ‘Backyard Boogie,’ which immediately topped Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart upon its October release. The album features notable collaborations including Tarrus Riley on ‘She Give Me Lovin’ and contains recordings from Jamaica’s Digital B and Big Yard studios. Another track, ‘Let’s Do It Again,’ achieved platinum certification in February 2024.

    Gramps is currently promoting his new single ‘Where My Heart Belongs,’ a tribute to Jamaica intended to comfort listeners following Hurricane Melissa. The song will appear on his forthcoming untitled solo album, though no release date has been confirmed. Recent performances include shows in St. Croix with Morgan Heritage and a solo appearance in Antigua, continuing his musical journey despite the recent passing of his brother Peetah Morgan in February 2024.