Carib Scope

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  • Uncapped Quentin Sampson in WI squad for Afghan T20s

    Uncapped Quentin Sampson in WI squad for Afghan T20s

    In a strategic move ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, Cricket West Indies has announced a 16-member squad for their upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates from January 19-22. While seven established players including regular captain Shai Hope and former captains Jason Holder and Rovman Powell will be absent due to franchise commitments and rest protocols, the selection introduces exciting new talent alongside returning veterans.

    The squad will be led by opening batsman Brandon King, marking a significant leadership opportunity for the Jamaican right-hander. Most notably, 25-year-old Guyanese powerhouse Quentin Sampson earns his maiden call-up following a spectacular Caribbean Premier League campaign where he amassed 241 runs at an average of 34.42, including two half-centuries for the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

    Head coach Daren Sammy emphasized the series’ importance for World Cup preparations, stating: ‘Competitive matches in subcontinental conditions provide ideal preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. This series offers a valuable platform to assess players who missed significant playing time late in 2025 while integrating those stepping into crucial roles before final tournament selection.’

    The selection also marks the return of explosive opener Evin Lewis and fast bowler Shamar Joseph, both recovering from extended injury layoffs. The squad features a blend of experience and emerging talent, including left-handed batsmen Alick Athanaze and Shimron Hetmyer, top-order batsman Keacy Carty, left-arm spinner Khary Pierre, and pace bowlers Matthew Forde and Jayden Seales.

    The West Indies team departed the Caribbean on January 14 and will arrive in the UAE on January 16 for intensive preparation ahead of the series. The final World Cup squad will be announced preceding the Men in Maroon’s subsequent T20 series against South Africa beginning January 27.

  • CWI’s Bascombe: We’ve reached out to Pooran for T20 W/Cup

    CWI’s Bascombe: We’ve reached out to Pooran for T20 W/Cup

    Cricket West Indies (CWI) faces significant challenges in assembling their optimal squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after failed attempts to persuade Nicholas Pooran to reverse his international retirement decision. According to Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe, the organization has exhausted all diplomatic channels to recruit the 29-year-old batting sensation without success.

    Pooran, who stunned the cricketing world with his sudden retirement announcement in June, has remained committed to his decision despite CWI’s persistent overtures. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman has been actively participating in various global T20 franchises since stepping away from international cricket.

    Bascombe confirmed that communication attempts were made with full awareness that Pooran understood the World Cup implications when he initially retired. ‘We probed and we saw that he mentioned not too long ago that he was quite happy to stick to his decision,’ Bascombe stated during his WESN TV appearance on Saturday.

    The recruitment difficulties extend beyond player personnel. CWI has also approached legendary West Indies cricketers Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, and Andre Russell regarding potential roles within the team’s management structure for the tournament. However, scheduling conflicts with the Indian Premier League (IPL) have emerged as a major obstacle, as the World Cup directly transitions into the lucrative franchise tournament.

    Bascombe explained the logistical challenges: ‘Anyone who would come on board as part of our team management would pretty much have to sacrifice a lot of time away. The feedback we’ve received indicates they would need to spend extended periods away from home, covering both the World Cup and subsequent IPL commitments.’

    The West Indies selectors are now compelled to finalize their World Cup squad following the conclusion of their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan later this month, potentially without one of their most dynamic T20 talents.

  • Tight race for Couva Calypso Monarch titles

    Tight race for Couva Calypso Monarch titles

    The Couva Carnival Committee (CCC) anticipates fiercely competitive finals in both senior and junior divisions of its upcoming 2026 Calypso Monarch competitions. This projection comes after successful auditions held at Balmain Community Centre on January 11th, where calypsonians demonstrated exceptional early-season form.

    Ezekiel Clarke, CCC Public Relations Officer and competition coordinator, expressed confidence in the quality of performers. ‘The committee expects a truly high-octane final in both categories based on the outstanding offerings from our calypsonians during auditions,’ Clarke stated. He further assured patrons that ‘every artist performed at their peak capacity, promising an thrilling experience at the grand finals.’

    Defending champions will return to defend their titles without requiring qualification. Reigning Senior Monarch Joanne Gibson, performing as Queen Voice, and Junior Monarch Katelin Sultan automatically secure their positions in the February 13th championship event.

    The senior competition features sixteen accomplished qualifiers including Nicholas Lucas (‘The Tree Does Never Forget’), Kerine Williams Figaro (‘You Never Know’), Judith Edwards (‘Plus Size Woman’), and Omarie Asson (‘A Spituation’). Other notable entrants include Shinnelle Cottoy Davis (‘Omirnira’), the duo Ruhanie Ramdass & Marcus Seepersad (‘Calypso Chutney Love’), and Anastasia Richardson (‘Power In De Blood’).

    The junior division showcases eight promising young talents such as Janaya Clarke (‘Role Models’), Nyla Hamilton (‘What Ah Waiting For’), and Alexia Adams Alexis (‘Doh Go Down Dey’). Rehearsal schedules will be announced imminently as the community prepares for this celebrated cultural event that highlights Trinidad’s rich musical heritage.

  • TPP snatches 60% of votes in THA elections

    TPP snatches 60% of votes in THA elections

    In a stunning electoral triumph, the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) under the leadership of Farley Augustine has secured a comprehensive victory in the Tobago House of Assembly elections held on January 12. The party captured all 15 available seats, demonstrating overwhelming voter support with 60.8% of the total valid votes cast across the island.

    The TPP’s decisive win included a narrow but significant victory in the Darrel Spring/Whim constituency, where they unseated the sole PNM representative Kelvon Morris by a mere 17-vote margin. According to official figures released by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC), the TPP accumulated 16,240 votes compared to the PNM’s 10,456 votes.

    This electoral performance marks a substantial improvement from the party’s 55% showing in the 2025 general election and even surpasses the 58% achieved by the Progressive Democratic Patriots in the December 2021 THA elections. Augustine, who previously served as THA chief secretary under the PDP government, formed the TPP after departing from the PDP.

    Despite the overwhelming victory, the EBC report revealed concerning voter participation trends. The voter turnout reached a concerning low of 50.69% from an electorate of 53,239 registered voters—the poorest participation rate since 2017 and significantly below the record 56.97% turnout recorded in the December 2021 elections.

    Minor parties including the Innovative Democratic Alliance led by Dr. Denise Tsoiafatt Angus garnered 181 votes, while the Unity of the People party, which fielded only leader Nickocy Phillips as a candidate, received just eight votes.

    The PNM has formally requested recounts in two constituencies—Darrel Spring/Whim and Scarborough/Mt Grace—with the EBC scheduling these recounts to commence at 3 pm on January 13. The commission emphasized that all results remain preliminary pending the completion of these recounts.

  • Guyanese agronomist to begin tenure as IICA director general

    Guyanese agronomist to begin tenure as IICA director general

    SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica — Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim, an accomplished Guyanese agronomist, will officially assume the role of Director General at the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) on Thursday, January 15. His inauguration marks a significant leadership transition for the specialized agency dedicated to agricultural development and rural well-being across the Americas.

    Elected through a democratic process in November by agriculture ministers representing 32 member nations, Ibrahim will succeed Argentina’s Manuel Otero during a formal swearing-in ceremony at IICA’s headquarters in Costa Rica. Otero completed two consecutive terms characterized by substantial institutional transformation since his initial appointment in January 2018.

    During Otero’s tenure, IICA underwent comprehensive restructuring that positioned science and technology as central pillars of its technical cooperation initiatives. These revitalized programs have directly impacted approximately 10 million farmers and rural stakeholders throughout the region, enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.

    The institute solidified its role as the Americas’ premier technical authority on agricultural and rural development, facilitating unprecedented regional collaboration. This coordinated approach enabled member governments and producer organizations to present unified positions in critical international forums, effectively advocating for agricultural interests and positioning farming as essential to addressing global challenges.

    Ibrahim, who holds a doctorate in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences from Wageningen University, has outlined an ambitious vision for his 2026-2030 term. He pledges to harness cutting-edge research and emerging technologies to strengthen agricultural systems across all American nations. Central to his strategy is expanding IICA’s initiatives to drive investment toward transforming agrifood systems and improving economic viability for agricultural enterprises, with particular emphasis on supporting small-scale farmers.

  • Trump vows ‘very strong action’ if Iran hangs protesters

    Trump vows ‘very strong action’ if Iran hangs protesters

    WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that the United States would enact severe measures should Iranian authorities proceed with executions of individuals detained during widespread anti-government demonstrations. Speaking with CBS News during a visit to a manufacturing facility in Michigan, Trump emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We will take very strong action if they do such a thing.

    The President’s comments came in response to growing international concerns that Tehran might initiate hangings as early as Wednesday. “When they start killing thousands of people — and now you’re telling me about hanging. We’ll see how that’s going to work out for them,” Trump added in a video excerpt from the interview.

    During his economic address in Michigan, Trump reiterated his social media message that “help is on the way” for Iranian protesters, though he acknowledged uncertainty regarding the actual casualty figures. “I hear numbers — look, one death is too much — but I hear much lower numbers, and then I hear much higher numbers,” he remarked.

    Upon returning to Washington, Trump told reporters he would soon receive a comprehensive briefing on the Iranian situation. “The killing looks like it’s significant, but we don’t know yet for certain. I’ll know within 20 minutes — and we’ll act accordingly,” the President stated.

    The warning follows previous administration vows to intervene if protesters faced lethal violence—a threshold reportedly crossed days earlier. According to Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR), at least 734 fatalities have been confirmed, though actual numbers are believed to be substantially higher.

    International human rights organizations have expressed alarm over Tehran’s potential use of capital punishment to suppress dissent. Iranian prosecutors have indicated they will pursue charges of “moharebeh” (waging war against God)—a capital offense—against some detainees. Amnesty International warned that “concerns are mounting that authorities will once again resort to swift trials and arbitrary executions to crush and deter dissent.”

    IHR specifically cited the case of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, arrested last week in Karaj and reportedly sentenced to death with execution potentially imminent.

  • Jamaicans urged to stay prepared and calm in the event of earthquake

    Jamaicans urged to stay prepared and calm in the event of earthquake

    Jamaican emergency officials are intensifying public education efforts on earthquake safety protocols as the nation observes Earthquake Awareness Week. Superintendent Emeleo Ebanks, Education Officer at the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), emphasized the critical importance of maintaining composure and implementing preventive measures during seismic events during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ session.

    Ebanks stressed that prior preparation serves as the most effective antidote to panic during disasters. ‘Don’t panic. I know that’s the easiest thing to say and the most difficult thing to do, but prior preparation will ensure that, as much as possible, you don’t panic,’ the senior fire officer stated.

    The JFB official provided specific guidance for various scenarios, warning against the instinctual reaction to flee buildings during shaking. Instead, he recommended the ‘drop, cover, and hold’ technique until vibrations cease, followed by orderly evacuation. Motorists on bridges should safely exit the structure before stopping, while pedestrians in urban areas with tall buildings should quickly move to spaces where collapsing structures cannot reach them.

    Home preparedness measures include removing heavy or hanging objects from walls, particularly in bedrooms, where falling items could cause severe injury or death. Ebanks highlighted that these objects often become dangerous projectiles during seismic activity.

    Post-earthquake procedures include immediate head counts to ensure family safety and designated individuals contacting emergency services only when absolutely necessary to avoid overwhelming communication systems. The JFB, in collaboration with other government agencies including the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), continues to promote public education as fundamental to national disaster readiness under the theme ‘Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake.’

  • Young officer and recent graduate killed in separate weekend crashes

    Young officer and recent graduate killed in separate weekend crashes

    Grand Bahama witnessed a devastating weekend with two separate fatal traffic collisions that claimed the lives of young individuals with promising futures. The incidents, occurring within 24 hours of each other, have sent shockwaves through the community.

    In the first tragedy, 18-year-old George Ferguson, a recent high school graduate from Eight Mile Rock, lost his life in a collision at the intersection of Queen’s Highway and Stubbs Avenue. The accident occurred shortly before 9am yesterday when Ferguson’s vehicle collided with a Ford Transit van. Preliminary reports indicate the Ford driver was traveling eastbound on Queen’s Highway as Ferguson was exiting Stubbs Avenue. While the van driver sustained only minor injuries and was transported to hospital, Ferguson tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

    In a separate incident on Sunday evening, 27-year-old police officer Jonathan Johnson perished in a single-vehicle crash along East Bay Street. Authorities responded to reports of a serious collision around 7pm to discover a severely damaged blue Ford Taurus that had impacted a wall on the northern side of the roadway. Emergency crews extracted the unresponsive officer from the wreckage, but medical personnel confirmed he showed no signs of life. Initial investigation suggests Officer Johnson lost control of his vehicle while traveling eastbound before colliding with the wall.

    Officer Johnson, a former St Augustine’s College student and accomplished basketball player, is being remembered as an exceptional individual both on and off the court. Denykco Bowles, who coached Johnson from ages 15 to 18, described him as ‘a natural leader’ and ‘almost-perfect student-athlete’ known for his discipline, dedication, and passionate approach to both sports and life. Many former athletes like Johnson naturally gravitate toward uniformed services, making his career choice unsurprising to those who knew his character.

    The back-to-back tragedies have highlighted ongoing road safety concerns while reminding communities of the fragile nature of life, particularly for young adults on the threshold of their future endeavors.

  • Superstar Rockets finally take top prize in GB’s Pineyard Rush Junkanoo parade

    Superstar Rockets finally take top prize in GB’s Pineyard Rush Junkanoo parade

    In a spectacular cultural victory, the Superstar Rockets have claimed unofficial championship status at Grand Bahama’s Pineyard Rush Junkanoo Parade, ending their six-year streak of second-place finishes to emerge as the 2026 Division A winners. The group’s triumphant performance, themed ‘Splendors of Ancient Egypt,’ featured an elaborate procession of pharaohs, kings, and meticulously crafted ancient Egyptian imagery along Explorer’s Way, captivating both spectators and judges alike.

    The victory represents the culmination of months of intensive preparation in the group’s shack, where members dedicated countless hours to design and construction. According to unofficial results, last year’s champions, the Swingers, secured second place with their presentation ‘Magnificent Expressions of Diverse Cultures,’ while the Classic Dancers captured third with ‘Breakfast Time, Let’s Eat Cereal’—a vibrant celebration of popular cereal brands. Completing the top five were Platinum Knights in fourth with ‘Jewels of the Bahamas’ and New Generation in fifth with ‘Latin America Kingdom Culture.’

    Division B saw Showtime claim top honors with their ‘Wizard of Oz’ presentation, followed by The Bushwhackers in second, Sting in third, and Bahamian Gladiators in fourth. The event attracted ten participating groups total, with official attendance from Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, Junkanoo authority Percy ‘Vola’ Francis, and representatives from the National Junkanoo Corporation.

    Superstar Rockets leader Chauncey Gray expressed both relief and exhilaration at finally overcoming what he described as ‘the hump’ of consistent second-place finishes. ‘It was months and months of preparation, almost non-stop,’ Gray revealed. ‘We took a week or two off and then went back to the drawing board—planning and drawing.’ He emphasized the financial challenges involved, noting that while ‘it could be easier with better financing, we made it happen because we are Bahamians and we’re going to put on our cultural show.’

    The group’s success was bolstered by more than 200 members and additional support from dedicated fans who play vital roles in production. The cultural significance was further highlighted by visits from officials including Michael Pintard, FNM Leader and Minister for Grand Bahama, who has maintained a tradition of visiting Junkanoo shacks since his tenure as minister responsible for Junkanoo. Pintard praised the artists’ commitment, noting that many groups invest substantially more in costumes than they receive in prize money—a testament to their dedication to preserving and celebrating Bahamian cultural heritage.

  • Police: Wrecking is for safety, not punishment

    Police: Wrecking is for safety, not punishment

    The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has issued a comprehensive defense of its vehicle towing operations, emphasizing that wrecking illegally parked vehicles constitutes a critical public safety necessity rather than a punitive measure. In an official January 13th release, the police service outlined its statutory mandate to maintain road safety, ensure unimpeded traffic flow, and uphold law and order across the nation’s transportation networks.

    According to the TTPS, unlawfully parked vehicles present substantial hazards including emergency service obstructions, compromised visibility for road users, and blocked access to essential facilities such as hospitals, police stations, and fire routes. These violations significantly exacerbate traffic congestion while disrupting the efficient movement of both vehicles and pedestrians, consequently elevating accident risks and endangering public safety.

    The wrecking operations are conducted under the legal framework established by the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, which authorizes officers to remove vehicles violating parking regulations when they jeopardize safety, traffic movement, or public order. The TTPS stressed that the primary objective remains behavioral modification and voluntary compliance with traffic regulations rather than punishment.

    Police authorities have detailed specific procedural protocols for vehicle removal. Officers must conduct brief inquiries within the immediate vicinity to locate vehicle drivers before initiating towing procedures. If drivers are located, officers will issue appropriate charges and request immediate vehicle relocation. Should motorists refuse compliance, vehicles will be impounded. In cases where vehicles are already being hooked but not yet removed when owners appear, officers will release vehicles while still issuing violation tickets or pursuing prosecution for non-ticketed offenses.

    For vehicle recovery, the TTPS has designated its South Quay impound yard in Port of Spain (opposite Courts) as the central processing facility, operating between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM daily. Motorists must present a valid driver’s permit and proof of insurance to retrieve vehicles, accompanied by a $500 release fee. Additional overnight storage fees apply at $200 per day, with cash serving as the exclusive payment method.

    The police service continues to appeal for responsible parking practices, urging drivers to observe all traffic signage and road markings while remaining mindful of fellow road users’ safety and convenience. Public cooperation is characterized as essential for creating safer roads and more orderly communities, with the TTPS reaffirming its commitment to employing all lawful measures necessary to ensure roadway safety.