Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • The foundation for plant growth

    The foundation for plant growth

    Beneath the surface of every thriving garden lies an often underestimated hero: soil. This complex ecosystem serves as the fundamental bedrock for plant development, providing structural support, essential nutrients, and vital hydration. Comprising four primary components—minerals, organic matter, air, and water—soil functions as a dynamic living system that sustains plant life through multiple mechanisms.

    The composition of soil directly influences plant vitality, with different species requiring specific growing mediums that mimic their natural habitats. Tropical bromeliads flourish in well-draining, airy mixtures featuring orchid bark and perlite, while aroids like Philodendron and Monstera prefer chunky, organic-rich blends that balance moisture retention with proper aeration. Desert-adapted cacti and succulents demand fast-draining sandy compositions with minimal organic content, contrasting with moisture-loving ferns that thrive in humus-rich, consistently damp environments.

    Orchids present a unique case study in specialized soil requirements. As epiphytes that naturally grow on trees rather than in ground soil, they require unconventional growing media that prioritizes airflow and drainage. Various orchid species have distinct preferences: Phalaenopsis orchids perform best with fine bark and sphagnum moss, while Cattleyas prefer coarse bark with charcoal, and Dendrobiums excel in coconut husk and perlite mixtures.

    The science of soil management extends beyond simple composition. Factors such as particle size, water retention capabilities, and microbial activity collectively determine whether plants merely survive or truly thrive. By understanding these intricate relationships between soil properties and plant requirements, gardeners can create optimized environments that support robust root development, nutrient uptake, and overall plant health.

    This knowledge transforms gardening from guesswork into a scientific practice, enabling cultivators to replicate natural ecosystems within controlled environments. The result is not just healthier plants but more sustainable and vibrant landscapes that reflect a deeper understanding of botanical needs.

  • Amara excelling from classroom to crease – Nine-year-old balances cricket, school and big dreams

    Amara excelling from classroom to crease – Nine-year-old balances cricket, school and big dreams

    In Trinidad and Tobago, where cricket reigns as a national passion, nine-year-old Amara Jasmin Gopichandsingh is redefining what it means to be a young athlete. The Tabaquite Presbyterian School student demonstrates extraordinary balance between academic rigor and athletic pursuit, maintaining straight-A grades while developing into a promising cricket talent under professional guidance.

    Gopichandsingh’s cricketing journey began in early childhood as the youngest of five children in a family deeply immersed in the sport. ‘When I was really small growing up, and I went cricket with my dad, the guys on the team would always bowl the ball to me,’ she recalled. ‘There, I realized the love and passion I had for the game.’ Her family’s legacy includes two older brothers who played with South East Trinidad Zone Cricket and represented Powergen at the Under-19 level, plus parents who competed successfully in both windball and hardball leagues nationwide.

    The young athlete initially faced challenges entering a male-dominated sport. ‘I felt nervous and shy when I first started training because I was placed in a group with only boys…I would always be the last one to be chosen,’ she confessed. Through determination and skill development, she reversed this dynamic: ‘Until I started to play even better than them, and now, I’m up the line when it’s time to choose.’

    Since 2023, Gopichandsingh has trained at the Samuel Badree Cricket Academy at the University of TT Campus in Tarouba, supplementing Saturday sessions with three weekly practices with her father. Former West Indies cricketer Samuel Badree, who oversees her development, praised her attitude: ‘I would describe Amara’s attitude as one of eagerness. She is very enthusiastic, and she comes to every session with a lot of alacrity.’ He highlighted her receptiveness to coaching feedback and willingness to try new techniques as exceptional traits for a young athlete.

    Badree’s academy employs a structured development pathway, and Gopichandsingh has progressed from beginner to intermediate levels where she now practices advanced skills and drills. The program ultimately leads to hardball cricket and high-performance training for exceptional talents.

    Academic excellence remains equally prioritized through careful scheduling managed by her mother, Ameela Hosein. ‘She manages school and cricket by following her schedule and always being focused,’ Hosein noted. ‘She is not an average nine-year-old — she knows her goals, and she is determined to push herself to one day achieve all of them.’

    Beyond cricket, Gopichandsingh enjoys reading, family time, and creative writing, excelling particularly in Mathematics and English. Her aspirations include attending Naparima Girls’ College, representing Trinidad and Tobago nationally, and eventually playing for the West Indies women’s team. She also envisions becoming a teacher to share knowledge with future generations.

    To other girls considering cricket, she offers simple advice: ‘Always believe in yourselves, be confident and do not be afraid to try.’

  • Walk for peace…and in peace

    Walk for peace…and in peace

    A remarkable 2,300-mile peace pilgrimage from Texas to Washington DC is underway, led by 24 Buddhist monks accompanied by their rescued canine companion, Aloka. The journey, which commenced on October 26 with an anticipated February arrival, represents a powerful spiritual mission advocating for global compassion and non-violence.

    The monks’ adopted dog, Aloka—a Sanskrit name meaning ‘light’ or ‘radiance’—has become an unexpected symbol of their message. Originally a stray from India, this ordinary-looking dog now embodies the extraordinary capacity for compassion that defines their mission. His presence alongside the orange-robed monks has created touching moments that resonate deeply with those following their journey.

    The pilgrimage took a dramatic turn on November 19 when a pickup truck collided with the monks’ escort vehicle, resulting in life-altering injuries to Venerable Phra Ajarn Maha Dam Phommasan. The accident necessitated the amputation of one of his legs. Remarkably, Phommasan responded with immediate forgiveness and compassion toward the driver, inspiring medical staff and fellow pilgrims alike.

    Paradoxically, this tragedy brought unprecedented attention to their cause. Phommasan noted that before the accident, their peace movement received little recognition. Now,沿途 communities are gathering to offer gifts and emotional support, many moved to tears by the monks’ dedication in a world increasingly characterized by division and conflict.

    The article draws parallels to local infrastructure challenges in Trinidad and Tobago, noting the dangerous conditions for pedestrians on poorly lit roads without adequate sidewalks. The commentary argues that true compassion must extend to urban planning, creating safe spaces for vulnerable road users before organizing symbolic peace walks.

    While celebrating the monks’ inspirational journey, the piece concludes with a pragmatic call to action: communities must first ensure basic safety for pedestrians before embarking on symbolic peace marches, emphasizing that practical compassion begins with protecting citizens from becoming road fatality statistics.

  • Talk Tent returns for Carnival at Queen’s Hall

    Talk Tent returns for Carnival at Queen’s Hall

    As Carnival season approaches, Trinidad and Tobago’s longest-running talk show performance, Talk Tent, prepares to captivate audiences with its unique blend of cultural storytelling, comedy, and social commentary. Established in 1983 by visionary producer Paul Keens-Douglas, this iconic event has evolved from its humble beginnings in a canvas tent on Victoria Avenue to becoming an institutionalized post-Carnival tradition at Queen’s Hall Conference Centre.

    The event’s foundation rests on bringing together distinguished ‘men of words’ – including midnight robbers, pierrot grenades, and black Indians – showcasing their verbal artistry during Carnival celebrations. Under the motto ‘Where Talk Is Art,’ the production maintains its commitment to quality family entertainment while emphasizing educational values through diverse oral traditions.

    This year’s lineup features an impressive roster of Caribbean performers: spoken word poet Seth Sylvester, performance poet Miguel Browne, pierrot grenades specialists Felix Edinborough and Keomi Serrette, calypsonian Llewellyn ‘Short Pants’ Mac Intosh, along with Farida Chapman, Avion Crooks, MC David Bereaux, and founder Keens-Douglas himself as master storyteller.

    The 2024 performances are scheduled for February 21-22 at Queen’s Hall Conference Centre in St. Ann’s. Tickets priced at $300 are available at multiple outlets including Crosby’s, RIK locations in Trincity and Gulf City, Domon’s Shoe Store in Long Circular Mall, Metropolitan Book Suppliers on Ariapita Avenue, and directly at Queen’s Hall. Attendees can also purchase exclusive show-priced books, CDs, and DVDs featuring the performing artists.

    Organizers emphasize that Talk Tent’s continued success relies on community support from patrons who recognize its vital role in preserving authentic Caribbean cultural expressions. As the release notably states: ‘There are many talk shows but only one Talk Tent!’ For additional information, interested parties can contact 632-1647, 684-1629, 376-5699, or visit the official Facebook page.

  • The perfect storm

    The perfect storm

    After 32 years of operation and a remarkable journey from startup to market leader, Newsday newspaper has announced its permanent closure. The publication, which began in 1993 and achieved the status of Trinidad and Tobago’s highest-selling newspaper within two decades, succumbed to what management describes as ‘a perfect storm’ of industry challenges.

    The closure represents more than just the failure of a single publication—it symbolizes the severe pressures facing traditional print media globally. Unlike larger media conglomerates that can absorb losses across diversified portfolios, Newsday operated as a standalone entity with no corporate safety net to cushion year-on-year financial declines that have become endemic throughout the industry.

    Multiple converging factors contributed to the newspaper’s demise. The COVID-19 pandemic delivered a significant blow as nationwide shutdowns caused advertising revenue to plummet dramatically. However, management emphasizes that the pandemic was merely one element in a complex crisis that developed over more than a decade.

    Financial pressures mounted from multiple directions: raw material costs, particularly newsprint—the company’s largest expense—skyrocketed over the past ten years. Maintenance expenses for specialized printing equipment also increased substantially as manufacturers of crucial components went out of business due to industry contraction.

    The company also faced substantial legal challenges, emerging victorious from a prolonged court battle that reached the Privy Council level but left the organization over $3 million out of pocket. Despite winning costs at every judicial level, the slow pace of assessment procedures meant the company could not collect awarded funds while continuing to bear operational expenses.

    Consumer behavior shifts proved equally damaging. When Newsday increased its cover price from $2 to $3—still less than the cost of a local doubles snack—40% of readers abandoned the publication. This rejection came despite the hundreds of staff working around the clock to deliver news coverage.

    Most devastating has been the advertising collapse: print advertising revenue declined by 75% over the past decade, creating an unsustainable financial model when combined with rising production costs.

    In its farewell message, Newsday expressed pride in its legacy of ‘unwavering independence’ in serving the public and gratitude to loyal readers and dedicated staff who worked tirelessly for over two decades. The publication concluded with a warning about democracy itself being under threat when media organizations face existential crises, encouraging continued support for journalists and media colleagues throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

  • Fruits of farm work

    Fruits of farm work

    Jamaica’s longstanding Seasonal Agricultural Workers’ Programme continues to serve as a transformative economic lifeline for countless families, creating pathways to financial stability, home ownership, and entrepreneurial success. For over six decades, this government-managed initiative has facilitated temporary agricultural employment opportunities in Canada and the United States, with recent departures marking the beginning of the 2026 season.

    Edward Gayle from St Elizabeth exemplifies the program’s life-changing impact. Initially skeptical when he first joined in 2018, Gayle now returns annually to the same Ontario farm where he has developed strong, respectful relationships with employers. His financial gains have enabled him to expand his home from a single room to a comfortable family residence, fund his children’s education, and invest in his local farming business. The program’s value became particularly evident during Hurricane Melissa, which destroyed some of his crops but spared his home and livestock—prompting plans to build more resilient hurricane-proof structures using earnings from his current work season.

    Veteran participant Oakley Rowe demonstrates even more dramatic success after 13 years in the program. The skilled construction worker and farmer has built a sturdy four-bedroom home that weathered Hurricane Melissa without damage. His achievements continue with plans to develop rental properties, leveraging the substantial weekly earnings that can reach $800 USD after taxes. Rowe emphasizes that consistent effort in the program yields tangible rewards for those with clear goals.

    Sheldon Miller of Clarendon represents the entrepreneurial spirit fostered by the program. Since 2015, Miller has utilized both earnings and acquired skills to establish a local grocery business and expand into coconut and orange farming. He stresses the importance of strategic planning, noting that overseas earnings must be invested wisely rather than spent frivolously upon return to Jamaica.

    The recent departure of 182 workers—97 on Tuesday and 85 on Wednesday—marks another season of opportunity, with 90% being returning workers. This retention rate underscores the mutual satisfaction between Jamaican workers and Canadian employers across provinces including Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. Workers will engage in greenhouse agriculture and fruit/vegetable cultivation for the next eight months.

    As Jamaica approaches the program’s 60th anniversary, Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernizing while preserving the initiative’s integrity. The minister urged participants to maintain the program’s proud legacy dating back to 1966, emphasizing health, safety, mutual support, and exemplary representation of Jamaica abroad.

  • Capital turmoil

    Capital turmoil

    SANTA CRUZ, St Elizabeth — Municipal operations in St Elizabeth remain severely disrupted more than two months after Hurricane Melissa devastated the parish capital of Black River. Councillors of the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation convened their first monthly meeting of 2026 at Levon’s commercial plaza in Santa Cruz, forced from their regular meeting venue which now serves as emergency office space for displaced municipal staff.

    The hurricane’s late October onslaught, characterized by towering tidal waves and powerful winds, rendered the corporation’s aging office buildings and the adjacent historic Black River Courthouse unusable. The only structurally sound building—a concrete and steel meeting hall constructed over a decade ago—now accommodates scores of employees from multiple departments including the mayor’s office, CEO’s office, engineering, accounts, planning, and disaster coordination.

    A Jamaica Observer visit last Friday revealed severely cramped working conditions within the 25×40 foot meeting room. Staff reported extreme frustration, lack of privacy, and concentration difficulties exacerbated by the constant hum of a fuel-driven generator providing emergency power. Deputy Mayor Donald Simpson (JLP, Malvern Division) described the situation as “almost impossible to function properly” and “traumatizing” for personnel attempting to maintain services.

    During Thursday’s meeting, councillors emphasized the urgent need for central government intervention. Councillor Karl Whyte (JLP, Pedro Plains Division) highlighted both physical and psychological damage, calling for immediate resource allocation including reconditioned laptops and hurricane relief funding. He stressed that millions in donated relief funds should be directed to areas of greatest need.

    Mayor Richard Solomon (JLP, New Market Division) acknowledged ongoing representations to central government but cautioned against expecting “a magic wand” solution given the widespread destruction. The meeting also addressed concerns about inadequate consultation regarding Black River’s rebuilding process, with former Mayor Everton Fisher (PNP, Balaclava Division) criticizing Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie for not meeting with all councillors since the disaster.

    The hurricane’s impact extended beyond municipal offices, severely damaging Black River Hospital, schools, markets, heritage sites, and commercial enterprises. Iconic Independence Park, the parish’s primary recreation and event venue, has been transformed into a temporary dump site for hurricane debris—a decision that sparked controversy during the meeting. While Councillor Dwight Salmon (PNP, Black River Division) criticized the use of the park for dumping, Mayor Solomon explained it was a necessary emergency measure given blocked roads and collapsed communication networks.

    Despite cleanup efforts continuing as an immediate priority, Mayor Solomon committed to restoring Independence Park and dismissed rumors of plans to repurpose the facility for infrastructure development. The corporation continues to navigate both short-term recovery challenges and long-term rebuilding planning while operating under severely compromised conditions.

  • Ja-US opera singer to host masterclass

    Ja-US opera singer to host masterclass

    Jamaican-American mezzo-soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis, acclaimed as one of the finest vocalists of her generation, is bringing her extraordinary talents home for a series of transformative musical events in Kingston. The celebrated opera star will conduct an exclusive workshop on January 29th followed by an advanced masterclass on January 30th at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, offering rare mentorship opportunities for music students and professional vocalists alike.

    The educational sessions will focus on performance excellence and sophisticated vocal techniques, providing participants with direct access to Bryce-Davis’s expertise honed on prestigious stages including the Metropolitan Opera and Dutch National Opera. These masterclasses serve as a prelude to the main event: ‘A Moment of Music with Raehann Bryce-Davis,’ a fundraising concert scheduled for February 1st, 2026 at the Vera Moody Concert Hall.

    Presented by the Music Unites Jamaica Foundation (MUJF) under the patronage of Ambassador Audrey Marks, the concert represents a significant cultural initiative. Executive Director Rosina Moder emphasized the event’s dual purpose: “This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to promote music education through meaningful connections with globally recognized artists who proudly honor their Jamaican heritage.”

    The concert’s proceeds will establish scholarships for voice students at the School of Music and support emerging talents across Jamaica, while also funding the foundation’s ongoing research into Jamaican composers. This financial assistance proves particularly crucial following the widespread disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa, which has affected students and citizens across the island.

    Audiences can anticipate a musically diverse program featuring classical favorites, opera arias, folk selections, Negro spirituals, and innovative fusions blending electronic music with popular Jamaican styles. According to MUJF Deputy Director Janine Coombs, the performance will “present classical music in both traditional and refreshingly modern forms—a one-of-a-kind experience filled with exciting surprises.”

    The musical accompaniment will feature Jamaica’s most accomplished musicians, including Dean Roger N Williams on piano, Emily Elliott on cello, and Jeremy Ashbourne as band leader/drummer among other distinguished instrumentalists.

    Bryce-Davis’s deep Jamaican connections form a central narrative to the event. Her father Dr. Errol Bryce grew up in Spanish Town while her mother Hortensia Bryce hails from Clarendon. The artist comes from a distinguished musical lineage that includes her late grand aunt Marilyn Bryce-MacDonald, a lead singer with the Jamaican Folk Singers, and her aunt Michelle Bromley, a renowned pipe organist.

    The event enjoys support from prominent sponsors including S Hotel Kingston, Round Hill Hotel and Villas, TAC Printing, and other local businesses, ensuring the success of this cultural celebration that bridges classical tradition with contemporary Jamaican artistry.

  • When preachers play God

    When preachers play God

    In the wake of the 2021 Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries scandal, Jamaican religious leader Reverend Merrick “Al” Miller has provided crucial insights into distinguishing legitimate religious organizations from dangerous cults. The controversy erupted when two congregants died during an alleged human sacrifice ritual, culminating in the death of pastor Kevin Smith while facing criminal charges.

    Reverend Miller, founder of Whole Life Ministries, emphasizes that authentic churches operate under established principles with Jesus Christ as the head, guided by biblical teachings about love and humanity. “Most churches have their beliefs and teachings but… it’s open for dialogue all the time,” Miller explained to the Jamaica Observer. “People are free to interact. It’s not about control.”

    In contrast, Miller identifies cults as organizations centered around charismatic leaders whose personal beliefs supersede scripture. These groups typically discourage critical thinking and demand strict adherence to the leader’s ideology. The Pathways scandal exemplified these characteristics, with reports indicating Smith exercised extreme control over followers—fining them for tardiness, demanding money, and even threatening death for non-compliance.

    Miller highlights several warning signs of cultish behavior: leaders who prioritize themselves above doctrine, demonstrate excessive pride, and emphasize money, pleasure, and fleshly desires. “When these signs appear,” Miller warns, “it means something is not going right here.”

    The clergyman stresses the profound responsibility religious leaders bear as representatives of God, noting that love must form the foundation of all church operations. He advocates for strong accountability systems within religious communities, emphasizing that both leaders and congregants should maintain mutual oversight to prevent extremist developments.

    Regarding the 2021 tragedy, Miller expressed astonishment that such extreme activities could occur unnoticed, though he acknowledged the secrecy cults often enforce through sworn commitments to leaders perceived as messianic figures.

    For survivors of the Pathways incident, Miller offers a message of healing and hope: “Don’t give up on God. Men fail, God can’t.” He encourages victims to learn from the experience without self-blame, maintaining their faith and relationship with God.

    Ultimately, Miller identifies four protective elements against cult formation: love-driven faith, complete trust in God rather than oneself, humility of heart, and proper respect for divine authority. These principles, he contends, counteract the pride, power, and pleasure seeking that enable cult mentalities to flourish.

  • Woman killed in St Croix shark attack

    Woman killed in St Croix shark attack

    A tranquil afternoon on the western coast of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, turned tragic on Thursday when a shark fatally attacked a US tourist swimming near the shore. The victim has been identified as 56-year-old Arlene Lillis, a regular visitor to the territory.

    The incident occurred in shallow waters during the afternoon hours. Local authorities and emergency medical teams responded immediately to the distress call. According to official reports, first responders performed with exceptional speed and professionalism despite confronting extremely challenging and gruesome conditions at the scene.

    Lillis was rapidly transported from the beach to a nearby medical facility for emergency treatment. However, she succumbed to her severe injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital, despite all efforts to save her life.

    The specific species responsible for the lethal encounter remains undetermined, as marine officials have launched an investigation into the attack. While shark sightings are not uncommon in the biodiverse waters surrounding the US Virgin Islands, actual attacks on humans are statistically rare events that generate significant community concern and international attention. This incident marks a sobering reminder of the potential dangers associated with marine environments, even in frequently visited tourist areas.