Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • Pancreatic cancer: Silent nature, growing threat

    Pancreatic cancer: Silent nature, growing threat

    Trinidad and Tobago is grappling with the devastating loss of Alexandra Kong, a 24-year-old fourth-year medical student at the University of the West Indies (UWI), who succumbed to pancreatic cancer on November 5. Her untimely death has sparked a national conversation about one of the deadliest and most elusive forms of cancer, drawing attention to the urgent need for awareness, early detection, and improved treatment options.

    Dr. Fawwaz Mohammed, a renowned hepatopancreatobiliary surgeon with 18 years of experience, provided critical insights into the disease. He explained that the pancreas, located behind the stomach, plays a dual role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. Pancreatic cancer arises from uncontrolled cell growth, with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) accounting for 95% of cases globally and in Trinidad and Tobago.

    Risk factors include smoking, obesity, chronic pancreatitis, heavy alcohol use, age over 60, and family history. However, the disease’s silent progression and the pancreas’ deep abdominal location make early detection challenging. Symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss often appear only in advanced stages.

    Despite the lack of a reliable screening test, Trinidad and Tobago boasts advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities, including CT scans, MRI, and the complex Whipple’s procedure. Dr. Mohammed emphasized the importance of lifestyle changes, regular check-ups, and public education campaigns similar to those for breast cancer.

    Looking ahead, advancements in technology, artificial intelligence, and genetics offer hope for improved outcomes. Minimally invasive robotic surgeries, 3D/4D imaging, and innovative chemotherapeutic drugs are transforming cancer care. Dr. Mohammed remains optimistic, urging early detection and a holistic approach to health to combat this silent killer.

  • Arrive Alive hosts 5K run, walk and ride

    Arrive Alive hosts 5K run, walk and ride

    On November 16, hundreds of participants, including runners, walkers, and cyclists, gathered at Queen’s Park Savannah in Trinidad for the annual World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Organized by the NGO Arrive Alive, the event featured a 5K run/walk, a memorial walk, and solidarity rides across various locations in Trinidad. The event aimed to honor those who lost their lives or were affected by road traffic accidents while advocating for safer roads. The United Nations formally endorsed this global observance in 2005, emphasizing the importance of remembering victims and supporting their families. The event’s slogan, “Remember. Support. Act.,” called for collective action to prevent future tragedies. Sharon Inglefield, President of Arrive Alive, stressed the need for national commitment to road safety, urging stakeholders to work together to save lives. Stéphane Barc, Country Manager of Perenco Trinidad and Tobago Ltd, highlighted the company’s dedication to safety, both in the workplace and on the roads. Eli Zakour, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, emphasized the government’s data-driven approach to road safety, focusing on education, enforcement, and engineering. The event also recognized the contributions of sponsors, including Perenco as the Platinum Sponsor, Mobil, Starbucks, and Capital Signal Company Limited. Participants engaged with informational booths hosted by the police, fire service, and Global Medical Response Ambulance Services, reinforcing the importance of road awareness and emergency preparedness. The day concluded with a competitive 5K run, with winners in both male and female categories announced. Arrive Alive expressed gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers for their continued support in reducing road traffic fatalities and injuries.

  • Yorke: I take full responsibilty for the team

    Yorke: I take full responsibilty for the team

    Trinidad and Tobago’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were extinguished after a 1-1 draw with Jamaica at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on November 13. Head coach Dwight Yorke, who took charge in November 2024 with the ambitious goal of leading the team to the World Cup, has shouldered full responsibility for the outcome. Despite the disappointment, Yorke expressed pride in his players’ efforts and the progress made during his tenure. He acknowledged that the team’s inability to secure more victories, particularly in crucial matches, ultimately cost them a spot in the tournament. Yorke emphasized his commitment to self-reflection and improvement, stating, ‘I always look at myself first rather than pointing fingers at anyone else.’ The former Manchester United star also highlighted the emergence of a new generation of players, many of whom were recruited from abroad and have quickly integrated into the squad. As Trinidad and Tobago prepares to face Bermuda in a match for pride on November 18, Yorke remains focused on maintaining high standards and motivating his team. He assured fans that the squad is ready to compete, despite the recent setback. The match against Bermuda will serve as an opportunity for the team to showcase their resilience and determination as they look ahead to future campaigns.

  • A coach is a team’s first psychologist

    A coach is a team’s first psychologist

    The decision by Cricket West Indies (CWI) to introduce a mental skills and performance coach for the senior men’s cricket team has sparked considerable debate. Critics argue that cricket, inherently a psychological game, relies on players’ temperament, passion, and enthusiasm, which are best nurtured by a coach with deep cricketing experience. The move was recommended by CWI’s Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee, established in August following the team’s dismal performance against Australia, where they were bowled out for just 27 runs in Kingston. The committee includes cricket legends Clive Lloyd and Brian Lara, the latter being the first West Indies captain to lose all five Test matches in a single series during the 1998/99 tour of South Africa. Critics question the assumption that top international cricketers automatically make effective coaches, citing the challenges of transitioning from playing to coaching. While former players like Sir Vivian Richards have struggled in coaching roles, they can still offer valuable mentorship. CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, defends the decision, emphasizing the importance of mindset and composure at the elite level. However, skeptics argue that a single, well-qualified coach should suffice, questioning the need for additional handlers and the associated costs. The effectiveness of this strategy remains to be seen, as the team’s performance under the current administration continues to be scrutinized.

  • Penal dad, mom slain, gunman warns victims’ daughter

    Penal dad, mom slain, gunman warns victims’ daughter

    A devastating home invasion in Penal has left a 19-year-old girl without her parents after Raffeak Vialva, 51, and Babita Vialva, 40, were fatally shot in their home on November 17. The incident occurred around 3 am when an unidentified assailant, armed with a sledgehammer, forcibly entered their residence on Penal Rock Road. The couple’s daughter awoke to the sound of gunfire and discovered her father bleeding on the ground and the gunman standing over her mother, demanding money. Despite being ordered to return to her room, she heard additional gunshots, resulting in her mother’s death and her father succumbing to his injuries en route to the hospital. Relatives and neighbors expressed shock and confusion, describing the Vialvas as a peaceful, hardworking family with no known enemies. Investigators are treating the case as a botched robbery, though no valuables were taken. The community has been left traumatized by the brutal attack, which follows a series of similar incidents in the area. Authorities have launched Operation Festive Shield to enhance safety during the holiday season, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

  • Trump’s Venezuela strategy collapsing

    Trump’s Venezuela strategy collapsing

    US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to launch missile strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean has ignited a firestorm of criticism, both domestically and internationally. Initially framed as a decisive move against organized crime, the operation has instead highlighted the limitations of unilateral military action and the perils of prioritizing force over diplomacy. The strikes resulted in 76 fatalities, yet the US has failed to provide concrete evidence linking the destroyed vessels to drug trafficking. This lack of transparency raises serious concerns about due process and the rule of law, principles that are foundational to any democratic society. The most striking reactions have come not from Trump’s critics but from his traditional allies. The UK, America’s closest partner, has ceased intelligence-sharing to avoid complicity, while Canada has distanced itself and Colombia has severed ties entirely. This widespread disengagement underscores the flawed nature of the strategy. Trump’s supporters argue that the strikes were necessary to protect American citizens, but such actions, devoid of legal justification, represent unchecked power rather than genuine security. History has repeatedly shown that wars waged on fear and instinct, rather than clear evidence, rarely yield positive outcomes. Equally troubling is the silence from Republican leaders, who once championed constitutional values but now turn a blind eye to extrajudicial killings carried out in America’s name. The global backlash is not an overreaction but a stark warning. When a nation forsakes transparency, legality, and alliances, it does not strengthen itself—it isolates itself. Trump’s promise of strength rings hollow when it lacks the support of allies, adherence to law, and a foundation of humanity. This episode marks the beginning of a decline, and the world is already witnessing it unfold.

  • Sentenced to death

    Sentenced to death

    In a landmark ruling, Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity, following a brutal state crackdown on student-led protests in 2024. A UN fact-finding report revealed that 1,400 people were killed, including 13% children, while thousands were maimed and 11,700 arbitrarily detained. The crackdown, marked by extrajudicial killings, torture, and surveillance, targeted dissenters, journalists, and medical staff. Women and girls faced sexual and gender-based violence, all orchestrated under Hasina’s iron-fisted regime. Despite her conviction, Hasina, exiled in India, remains unlikely to face extradition. She dismissed the tribunal’s ruling as a “farce,” claiming it was politically motivated. Her lawyers preemptively lodged a complaint with the UN, arguing the trial was retribution. The UN report corroborated the tribunal’s findings, detailing how Hasina, also the defense minister, directed security forces to violently suppress opposition. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk described the response as a calculated strategy to retain power. Hasina, the world’s longest-serving female head of state, openly demeaned protesters, asserting their efforts were futile. While international bodies face challenges in enforcing accountability, this ruling serves as a stark reminder that leaders may eventually face consequences for disregarding due process and human rights for political gain.

  • Modern solution to old noise problem

    Modern solution to old noise problem

    The recent government decision to halt fetes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy has sparked significant debate. Contrary to claims that this move is an attack on cultural traditions, it is being framed as a necessary step to protect the well-being of ordinary citizens. For decades, residents living near large event venues have endured sleepless nights, property damage, and distress caused by excessive noise. The government’s action aims to address these long-standing issues by implementing modern, technology-driven solutions that balance entertainment with community rights.

    Event promoters have historically profited from these events, while nearby residents bore the brunt of the negative impacts. However, advancements in technology now offer viable alternatives. Silent-party options, where patrons use wireless headsets connected to a DJ’s console or digital stream, have become commonplace at major international music festivals. This approach allows attendees to enjoy the music at any volume without disturbing surrounding neighborhoods. The government’s push for such innovations aligns with its broader policy goals of modernizing outdated regulations and enforcing reasonable standards.

    Social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok have amplified the voices of affected residents, with numerous clips showcasing the disruptive effects of loud fetes. These include rattling windows, crying babies, and distressed elderly individuals. The public sentiment is clear: while many citizens are not opposed to fetes, they are against the imposition of noise pollution that compromises their peace, health, and safety.

    The government’s decision is not a ban on culture but a call for evolution. Just as steelpan and soca music have evolved over time, so too can nightlife practices. By adopting citizen-friendly entertainment methods, promoters can ensure that fetes continue to thrive without harming communities. This approach also aligns with the government’s manifesto and recent policy directions, emphasizing the need to protect communities and modernize regulations.

    Ultimately, the government’s action is a responsible step towards creating a balance where enjoyment and respect coexist. It challenges promoters to innovate rather than intimidate, ensuring that the rights of all citizens are upheld in the pursuit of entertainment.

  • Wyatt Harrison, Serenity Pantin star at Short Course Swim Champs

    Wyatt Harrison, Serenity Pantin star at Short Course Swim Champs

    The 2025 National Open Short Course Championships concluded with a spectacular display of talent at the National Aquatic Centre in Balmain, Couva, on November 16. Among the standout performers were Wyatt Harrison and Serenity Pantin, who dominated their respective events in the 10-and-Under category. Harrison, representing Blue Dolphins, secured victories in the 200m individual medley (2:44.81), 100m backstroke (1:17.15), and 50m butterfly (31.97). His consistent performance earned him 70 points, narrowly trailing Pantin, who amassed 74 points. Pantin, from Bluefins Aquatics, triumphed in the girls’ 200m individual medley (2:53.04), 50m butterfly (33.84), and 50m freestyle (30.31). Chloe-Mari Julien of Marlins also made waves, breaking multiple records in the girls’ 10-and-Under age group despite not clinching the top spot. Marlins emerged as the leading club with 462 points, followed by RWB Aquatic Academy (367) and Flying Fish (156). The event also highlighted the achievements of other top swimmers, including Marena Martinez, Isaiah Alexander, Anaadi Pooran, and John Procope, who recently made headlines for his ambitious swim around Tobago.

  • Trump promises to talk with Maduro

    Trump promises to talk with Maduro

    US President Donald Trump has hinted at possible discussions with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, marking a potential shift in the strained relations between the two nations. Speaking to reporters at Palm Beach International Airport on November 16, Trump stated, ‘Let’s see how that turns out. They would like to talk.’ However, he remained noncommittal about Maduro’s future as Venezuela’s leader, citing the significant damage Maduro has caused to the US, particularly through drug-related issues and the release of prisoners into the country. Trump emphasized that the situation is complex and that further decisions would be made in due course. This announcement came shortly after the US Department of State declared its intention to designate Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization, effective November 24. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that the US would continue to employ all available tools to safeguard national security and disrupt funding to narco-terrorists. Trump acknowledged that the designation could enable the US to target Maduro’s assets but clarified that no definitive actions have been decided. The backdrop to these developments includes a reported offer from Maduro’s administration to grant the US a dominant stake in Venezuela’s oil and mineral wealth, as revealed by The New York Times on October 10. Meanwhile, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has launched Operation Southern Spear, aimed at dismantling drug cartels in the Western Hemisphere. The US has also increased the bounty for Maduro’s arrest from $15 million to $50 million. Recent US military actions in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea have resulted in at least 83 deaths, further straining relations between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago (TT). Venezuela has accused TT of collaborating with the US, a claim vehemently denied by TT Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has expressed strong support for US efforts to curb illegal weapons and drugs. In response, Venezuela has suspended energy deals with TT and declared Persad-Bissessar persona non grata.