Carib Scope

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  • Jamaican Alex Anderson selected as 2025 Valedictorian of the UWI Global Campus

    Jamaican Alex Anderson selected as 2025 Valedictorian of the UWI Global Campus

    The University of the West Indies Global Campus will celebrate its Class of 2025 through a Virtual Graduation Ceremony, featuring educator Alex Anderson as valedictorian. Anderson, who hails from Montego Bay, St. James, has been recognized for completing his Bachelor of Education in Educational Leadership and Management with First Class Honours.

    With eight years of experience in primary education, Anderson has dedicated his career to fostering student confidence, curiosity, and academic excellence. His educational philosophy centers on student-focused teaching methods and the belief that education serves as a powerful catalyst for personal development.

    Anderson’s academic journey began at the University of Waterloo in Canada, where he earned a Psychology degree in 2012. His pursuit of educational expertise led him to enroll in The UWI Global Campus in 2020, combining his classroom experience with advanced academic training to champion transformative educational practices.

    His approach to teaching extends beyond conventional academics, focusing on helping students discover their potential and develop critical thinking skills essential for success beyond the classroom. Anderson often cites Walter Elliot’s perspective on perseverance: “Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.”

    Beyond his professional accomplishments, Anderson enjoys football, travel, music, and cooking—passions nurtured through family experiences in his mother’s kitchen. He draws personal inspiration from Philippians 2:3-4, which emphasizes valuing others and living with integrity.

    University leadership, including Dr. Francis O. Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal, expressed pride in Anderson’s achievement, noting that it serves as motivation for educators whose work often goes unrecognized. The institution’s senior management team joined in celebrating his accomplishments and wishing him continued success.

    The virtual ceremony will be broadcast live on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM Eastern Caribbean Time through multiple platforms including UWItv.global, Facebook Live, and Flow streaming services.

  • Israel accused of trying to expel Palestinians from Jerusalem

    Israel accused of trying to expel Palestinians from Jerusalem

    A prominent expert has issued a stark warning regarding Israel’s intensified policy of demolishing Palestinian homes in Jerusalem and its surrounding areas. While the practice itself is not new, specialists monitoring the situation report a concerning acceleration over the past two years, signaling a dangerous escalation in urban policy enforcement.

    According to detailed analysis, Israeli authorities have strategically concentrated their recent operations on the southern and eastern peripheries of Jerusalem. The neighborhoods of Silwan, along with the districts of Batn al-Hawa and Ras al-Amud, have become primary targets for these demolition campaigns. This targeted approach suggests a systematic effort to alter the demographic landscape of these specific areas.

    The eviction of the Khalil Basbous family from their home in Batn al-Hawa on Monday serves as a recent and poignant example of this policy in action. This area, along with the entirety of East Jerusalem, has been under Israeli occupation since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, adding a complex historical and political dimension to the current property disputes.

    Quantitative data reveals the significant scale of these operations. Approximately 320 residential structures were demolished in Jerusalem throughout the previous year alone, illustrating the substantial impact on the Palestinian community. The pattern of displacement extends beyond immediate demolitions, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and instability for residents.

    Since 2015, a specific pattern of eviction has emerged in Batn al-Hawa, where around 16 families have been forcibly displaced from their homes. These actions frequently follow legal petitions filed by the Ateret Cohanim organization, a Jewish settler group dedicated to establishing a stronger Jewish presence in historically significant areas of Jerusalem. This dynamic highlights the involvement of non-governmental actors in pursuing property claims that result in the displacement of long-term Palestinian residents.

  • NPICTT partners with TSTT as digital payments now a reality

    NPICTT partners with TSTT as digital payments now a reality

    Trinidad and Tobago has entered a new phase of digital transformation with the National Payment and Innovation Company (NPICTT) and telecommunications provider TSTT announcing a groundbreaking strategic partnership on Wednesday. This collaboration represents the first operational implementation of the country’s national payments infrastructure, moving from theoretical development to live consumer-facing services.

    The partnership achieves two significant milestones simultaneously: TSTT becomes the inaugural organization to process live payments through NPICTT’s national payments platform while also adopting Nobis as its official electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) solution. This dual implementation signals a tangible shift in how public services will be delivered digitally across the nation.

    Dr. Nigel Fulchan, Chairman of NPICTT, emphasized the importance of this development: “TSTT’s onboarding as the first live payment-processing client demonstrates that our platform is fully operational and production-ready. This partnership illustrates how shared national infrastructure can strategically modernize service delivery across the state.”

    Through this integration, TSTT will serve as the premier payment-processing client on the NPICTT platform, establishing itself as the official online payment channel for customer bill payments across all its brands and services. Customers will now access digital payment infrastructure that is locally owned, nationally governed, and designed for scalability across government entities.

    TSTT’s Acting CEO Keino Cox highlighted the strategic importance: “This partnership allows TSTT to accelerate our digital transition in a structured and secure manner. By adopting the national payments platform and NOBIS through the Innovation Centre, we enhance customer experience while maintaining robust governance and compliance.”

    Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Kennedy Swaratsingh characterized the partnership as reflective of steady growth in national infrastructure development. “TSTT positioning itself as the first state-owned entity to adopt the NPICTT platform represents a milestone in creating a unified gateway for all public-sector financial interactions,” he stated.

    The partnership establishes a replicable model for government digital transformation that reduces duplication, improves efficiency, and accelerates the rollout of digital public services. NPICTT now operates as the national payments infrastructure provider, while its Innovation Centre functions as the entry point for certified digital solutions across the public sector.

    Importantly, the collaboration does not alter existing statutory or regulatory responsibilities, with TSTT maintaining full accountability for customer service delivery while NPICTT provides the shared platforms and enablement framework. This foundational partnership paves the way for additional utilities, state-owned enterprises, and ministries to adopt digital payments and secure onboarding using national infrastructure.

  • After Maduro extracted, Delcy upgraded in Caracas…Uncertain times for TT energy

    After Maduro extracted, Delcy upgraded in Caracas…Uncertain times for TT energy

    The dramatic extraction of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US special forces on January 3 has sent shockwaves through Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector, creating unprecedented uncertainty about the future of critical cross-border gas projects. The early morning operation that resulted in Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores facing criminal charges in New York has fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape for TT’s energy security.

    According to former energy minister Kevin Ramnarine, the political transformation in Venezuela has cast doubt on the fate of the Dragon and Coucina-Manakin gas projects, both vital components of TT’s energy infrastructure. “The uncertainty surrounding these projects is greater than it has ever been,” Ramnarine stated, highlighting that Venezuela possesses approximately 200 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, much located near TT’s maritime boundaries.

    The situation intensified when US President Trump announced on January 6 that interim Venezuelan authorities led by Delcy Rodríguez—Maduro’s former deputy—would release up to 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil worth approximately $2 billion. Trump declared the proceeds would be controlled by his administration “to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States.”

    The geopolitical turmoil compounds existing challenges for TT’s energy sector. Venezuela owns over 70% of energy assets in the Loran-Manatee fields and complete control of Dragon gas resources. The previous Venezuelan government’s termination of all energy arrangements with TT in December had already increased pressure on the local market, which suffers from protracted natural gas shortages causing de-industrialization and job losses.

    Energy Chamber CEO Dr. Thackwray “Dax” Driver identified six critical issues for industry sustainability, noting that Venezuelan gas imports represent just one component. Other priorities include streamlining approval processes, fiscal reform, carbon reduction investments, decreasing gas use in electricity generation, and developing small marginal gas fields.

    Meanwhile, positive domestic developments emerged as Touchstone Exploration reported promising drilling results from the Carapal Ridge-3 well, marking the first drilling in the area in 17 years. The discovery of over 1,000 feet of net sand containing oil and natural gas-bearing Herrera sand has been welcomed by Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal and Minister Ernesto Kesar as supporting government efforts to bring additional natural gas to market.

    As stakeholders monitor Venezuela’s evolving political situation, the energy sector remains hopeful that new opportunities might emerge for cross-border collaboration, potentially positioning Trinidad as an energy services hub for future Venezuelan offshore developments.

  • What we learn from the sea

    What we learn from the sea

    Marine scientists worldwide have unveiled groundbreaking discoveries spanning filtration technology, species identification, and paleontological reconstruction, revealing the ocean’s profound secrets from prehistoric eras to modern environmental challenges.

    German researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a revolutionary filtration system inspired by fish gill anatomy. The innovation addresses the critical issue of microplastic pollution from washing machines, where a single household annually releases approximately 500 grams of synthetic fibers into waterways. For nations like Trinidad and Tobago with direct drainage systems, this accumulates into substantial oceanic pollution. By mimicking the cross-flow filtration mechanism of ram-feeding fish species—including anchovies and mackerel—scientists created a cone-shaped filter that captures 99% of microplastics without clogging. The design replicates how fish gills allow water passage while directing food particles toward the throat, offering an efficient nature-based solution to a pressing environmental problem.

    The year 2025 witnessed an extraordinary expansion of taxonomic knowledge as institutions globally identified 70 new species through advanced genetic analysis and fossil examination. Discoveries ranged from Jurassic reptiles with python-like teeth to fossilized squirrels in China and feathered dinosaurs. Museum collections revealed previously overlooked species including Philippine fruit flies with specialized courting jaws, Vietnamese Teddy Bear Bees, and Chilean Digger Bees. Aquatic findings included a Congolese carp species, Vietnamese sucker-mouthed minnows, and an ancient crinoid genus near Quebec. Caribbean marine exploration uncovered new sea anemones while Peruvian Andes expeditions documented unique opossum specimens, demonstrating ongoing biodiversity revelation across ecosystems.

    Qatari researchers collaborating with The National Museum of Natural History uncovered a significant bone bed of ancient sea cows near Bay of Salwa, dating to the Early Miocene period approximately 20 million years ago. The newly classified species, named Salwasiren qatarensis in honor of its discovery location, represents a dugong ancestor weighing merely 250 pounds—eight times smaller than modern counterparts. Analysis indicates these creatures maintained seagrass health through grazing activities, creating ecological pathways that supported diverse marine life. The fossil site, once part of the Eastern Tethys Seas, provides crucial insights into historical marine habitats and evolutionary adaptations, including the loss of hind limbs and development of straighter snouts in contemporary species.

    McGill University paleontologists reconstructed Cretaceous marine ecosystems revealing super predators that dwarf contemporary oceanic hunters. During the Mesozoic Marine Revolution (145-100 million years ago), giant reptiles exceeding ten meters in length dominated food chains with up to six trophic levels—surpassing today’s average of five. Fossil evidence from Colombia’s Paja formation suggests warming oceans and rising sea levels created ideal conditions for predator diversification, where modern apex predators would have occupied lower trophic positions. The study of 157 ancient species demonstrates exceptionally complex food webs, challenging our understanding of prehistoric marine ecology and evolutionary biology.

  • Philip Thomson’s unique cricket columns reissued

    Philip Thomson’s unique cricket columns reissued

    A cherished collection of cricket memoirs by the late columnist Philip Thomson has been reintroduced to the public through a collaborative publishing effort between Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC), Thomson’s family, and author-producer Nasser Khan. The newly released hardcover edition of “Ramblings From The Distant Past” features 17 feature columns that capture Thomson’s experiences at QPCC and Queen’s Royal College during what many consider cricket’s golden era.

    The second edition represents a significant enhancement over the original 1996 publication, now presented in full color with an extensive collection of historical photographs from Thomson’s personal archives and specially commissioned watercolor paintings by renowned artist Jackie Hinkson. The book also incorporates line drawings from the late John Newel Lewis’s Ajoupa collection, obtained through special permission from his family.

    Thomson’s writing showcases extraordinary recall coupled with an engaging narrative style that transforms personal cricketing anecdotes into universally appealing humor. As noted in the original media release, his columns were “highly anticipated and readers laughed heartily at the many amusing and brilliantly recounted anecdotes.”

    Veteran sport reporter Everard Gordon, in his 1996 review titled “Thomson’s Ramblings will have you laughing,” attested to the book’s broad appeal, noting that even readers unfamiliar with cricket terminology could appreciate the stories. Gordon described how his frequent outbursts of laughter while reading made his family question his sanity.

    The reissue project was spearheaded by Thomson’s son Robert and niece Jennifer de Verteuil in partnership with QPCC officials. They emphasized that beyond the entertainment value, Thomson’s writings possess significant historical importance that deserves preservation and renewed public attention.

    The book is currently available at Queen’s Park Oval and various retail outlets including Paper Based Book Shop, National Trust Heritage, and Nigel R Khan, with ordering available by calling 461-0666.

  • Tobago awaits Blue Wave Harmony’s arrival

    Tobago awaits Blue Wave Harmony’s arrival

    Tobago’s business community is preparing for a strategic maritime transition as the newly acquired MV Blue Wave Harmony cargo vessel prepares to dock at Scarborough port on January 18, replacing the outgoing MV Cabo Star whose lease concludes on January 12.

    Curtis Williams, President of the Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, indicates that while most enterprises maintain sufficient inventory levels to withstand potential supply chain interruptions, particular concerns emerge within the food and beverage sector regarding temperature-sensitive commodities. “These businesses will be monitoring the situation very closely,” Williams confirmed to Business Day, noting that many distributors have strategically stockpiled approximately four weeks’ worth of inventory as a protective measure.

    The TT Inter-Island Transportation Company Ltd has implemented comprehensive contingency protocols utilizing existing vessels including the APT James, T&T Spirit, and Galleons Passage to ensure uninterrupted service during the transition period. Official communications guarantee that sea bridge services will continue without disruption, with significant enhancements expected following the new vessel’s commissioning.

    MV Blue Wave Harmony, registered under Panamanian jurisdiction, represents a substantial upgrade over its predecessor with dimensions measuring 175 meters in length and 30 meters in width, compared to the Cabo Star’s 158.37-meter length and 25.32-meter width. The modern vessel, two years junior to the retiring ship, promises improved operational safety, reduced transit times, and enhanced reliability according to the National Infrastructure and Development Company Ltd (NIDCO).

    The advanced vessel features 73 passenger cabins with private bathroom facilities, a 142-seat self-service restaurant, luxury lounge and entertainment center, and improved accessibility through passenger elevators. With capacity for approximately 125 freight units—a significant increase from the Cabo Star’s 90-trailer limit—the ship boasts enhanced refrigeration capabilities for perishable goods and pharmaceuticals, along with certified dangerous cargo transportation supported by specialized ventilation and safety systems.

    NIDCO confirms that the absence of scheduled dry-docking in 2026 will ensure uninterrupted operations throughout the year. Additionally, the vessel’s upgraded facilities and expanded service offerings are expected to generate local employment opportunities through concessionaire agreements and service provider engagements, thereby increasing regional economic participation.

  • All Sectors Netball shoots off on January 10

    All Sectors Netball shoots off on January 10

    The Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua will host the opening day knockout tournament of the 2026 Courts All Sectors Netball League on January 10, commencing at 3 pm. This season marks a significant milestone with the introduction of a male division, reflecting World Netball’s growing emphasis on men’s participation at the international level.

    Four teams will compete in the groundbreaking male division: Bermudez United, Defence Force, Police, and Reboot Tigers. The league structure features 22 teams across four divisions, including five in premiership, eight in championship, five in alternative, and the four male teams.

    Defence Force and Police return to the premiership division following Jabloteh’s withdrawal, joining Reboot Tigers, Unit Trust Sparks, and University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). The championship division sees University of Southern Caribbean (USC) moving up from alternative division, alongside Fire Youth, Bermudez United, Defence Force, Police, Reboot Tigers, UTT, and University of the West Indies (UWI).

    The league serves as crucial preparation for elite competition, particularly significant as Trinidad’s senior national team prepares for the Commonwealth Games in Scotland this July. Traditional competitions including the Fast 5 format will continue, alongside major knockout tournaments honoring the league’s founders – the Jean Pierre and Steve Sarjeant challenge trophies, named after two of the six original founders from 1991 who have since passed away.

  • Judge dismisses challenge to DPP’s decision to continue firearms charges against 2 minors

    Judge dismisses challenge to DPP’s decision to continue firearms charges against 2 minors

    In a significant ruling with implications for juvenile justice, High Court Justice Kevin Ramcharan has rejected a judicial review petition contesting the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (DPP) determination to pursue firearms charges against two individuals who were minors at the time of the alleged offense.

    The case originates from an August 6, 2015 incident where the claimants—then aged 11 and 13—were present at a property where another minor tragically lost his life. The half-brothers, along with an adult co-accused, initially faced manslaughter and firearm possession charges. While manslaughter charges were subsequently dismissed in Children’s Court, the DPP elected to proceed exclusively with the firearms allegations, triggering the legal challenge.

    The claimants contended that continued prosecution violated legal principles, arguing insufficient evidence to overcome the presumption of doli incapax—the legal doctrine presuming children incapable of forming criminal intent. They further maintained that pursuing the case contradicted public interest considerations given their youthful ages at the time, the specific circumstances of the alleged possession, potential minimal sentences, and substantial procedural delays.

    Citing the Privy Council’s 2024 guidance on prosecutorial discretion, the defense team asserted the DPP’s decision failed to meet evidentiary and public interest thresholds outlined in prosecution guidelines.

    The DPP’s legal representatives countered that the appropriate venue for challenging evidence sufficiency was the magistrates’ court through a stay application, emphasizing established jurisprudence that discourages judicial review courts from evaluating evidence adequacy or infringing upon prosecutorial discretion.

    Justice Ramcharan determined that the magistrates’ court remained the proper forum for evaluating whether the doli incapax presumption had been adequately rebutted, noting that while related manslaughter charges had been dismissed, the firearms matter required independent judicial assessment.

    The court did criticize the DPP’s office for repeated procedural delays and poor communication practices, describing these shortcomings as “completely unacceptable.” However, the ruling clarified that the DPP bears no legal obligation to provide justification for continuing prosecutions.

    The judgment acknowledged that societal concerns regarding illegal firearms could legitimately influence the decision to pursue prosecution, adding that issues regarding trial delays and procedural fairness could be properly raised before the presiding magistrate.

    The court dismissed the judicial review application without awarding costs.

  • Port of Spain vendors call for more days to ply trade

    Port of Spain vendors call for more days to ply trade

    Street vendors in Port of Spain are mounting opposition against the city’s proposed sanitation initiative while demanding expanded working rights and protection from illegal competitors. The conflict emerged during a tense meeting between vendors and Port of Spain City Corporation officials at City Hall Auditorium on January 6, where representatives from Charlotte Street, Frederick Street, and other commercial areas voiced their concerns.

    The corporation’s $18 million clean city initiative, announced in October 2025, involves acquiring garbage compactors and amending public health regulations. Deputy Mayor Abena Hartley cited warnings from multiple government agencies about severe public health and safety concerns caused by current vending practices, exacerbated by the absence of comprehensive legislation.

    Proposed regulations would require vendors to completely remove all merchandise from streets daily, prohibiting overnight storage in stalls or on pavements. Corporation engineering assistant Sinclair Collis emphasized the cleaning challenges posed by leftover crates and produce, which contribute to drainage clogging, urban flooding, food decomposition odors, and expanding rat infestations in underground systems.

    Vendor representatives called the proposals impractical. Junior Lewis, vice president of the Charlotte Street Vendors Association, argued that moving heavy produce daily would create physical and logistical impossibilities for many operators. Female vendors particularly highlighted the excessive physical demands and additional costs involved.

    Beyond sanitation concerns, vendors challenged the fundamental structure of their operating permissions. Currently limited to Thursday through Saturday sales, vendors described the three-day work week as economically unsustainable. Petra Cayman, a Frederick Street jewelry vendor, called the arrangement “a death sentence” in Trinidad’s high-cost living environment, noting that missed opportunities during cruise ship season further diminish earnings.

    Vendors also identified illegal operators as a significant problem, with unregistered competitors undercutting prices without paying fees or rents. Additional complaints included inadequate street lighting affecting safety during high crime periods, noise pollution from adjacent businesses, and unreliable garbage collection services that exacerbate sanitation issues.

    Deputy Mayor Hartley acknowledged the corporation’s constrained resources, revealing drastic budget cuts from $19 million to approximately $4 million for infrastructure maintenance. This reduction has impacted the vending management team’s capacity to provide support. Vending program manager Deon Samm encouraged stricter adherence to fee payments, rental agreements, and health regulations to maintain operational continuity.

    Further consultations are planned with vendors, the Works and Infrastructure Ministry, and the Fire Service to develop updated vending contracts that balance public health concerns with vendor livelihoods.