Carib Scope

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  • BCEN calls for policies to be more inclusive

    BCEN calls for policies to be more inclusive

    The Barbados Consumer Empowerment Network (BCEN) has issued a compelling call for financial policies that prioritize accessibility and consumer choice during the nation’s economic modernization efforts. In her New Year’s address, BCEN Executive Chairman Maureen Holder emphasized that regulatory effectiveness depends not merely on enforcement but on transparency, clarity, and meaningful stakeholder engagement.

    While acknowledging Barbados’ progress in aligning its financial systems with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Holder presented a crucial distinction between regulatory modernization and genuine development. She argued that true development must be measured by tangible improvements in livelihoods, broad-based participation, and concrete gains for households and communities rather than technical compliance alone.

    The consumer advocate stressed that as Barbados deepens its financial reforms through transformation initiatives and enhanced regulatory compliance, implementation must remain risk-based, proportionate, and inclusive. She specifically highlighted the vital role of cooperatives and credit unions in maintaining financial access and community resilience, urging policymakers to support these institutions as regulatory expectations evolve.

    Addressing current economic challenges, Holder noted that Barbadians continue to face significant cost-of-living pressures with concerns about high prices for essential goods and services. She advocated for strong competition policy, transparent pricing mechanisms, and robust consumer protection measures as critical complements to macroeconomic reforms. Holder concluded that affordability and fairness must remain central priorities alongside profit maximization, achievable through enhanced monitoring, accountability, and stakeholder engagement.

  • Full Court appeal of Chief Justice’s decision could delay start of Mohameds’ extradition hearing

    Full Court appeal of Chief Justice’s decision could delay start of Mohameds’ extradition hearing

    The scheduled extradition proceedings against Guyanese billionaire gold dealers Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed face potential postponement following their legal team’s announcement to appeal a High Court ruling. The development emerged hours after Chief Justice Navindra Singh declined to stay the magistrate’s hearing set for January 6-8, 2026.

    Lead attorney Roysdale Forde confirmed his intention to file an appeal with the Full Court of the High Court, seeking to suspend the extradition process pending resolution of two constitutional challenges. ‘We disagree with the decision respectfully and we will be filing an appeal to the Full Court and we will be seeking a stay of the proceedings at the level of the Full Court,’ Forde told journalists outside the Georgetown courtroom.

    The legal battle centers on dual constitutional matters: challenges to several provisions of the Fugitive Offenders Act and allegations of ‘explicit political bias’ in the extradition authorization by Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond against Azruddin Mohamed, who leads the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) political party.

    Attorney General Anil Nandlall maintained that the judicial process should proceed as scheduled, emphasizing that existing legal frameworks provide adequate avenues for post-committal challenges. He warned that if Magistrate Judy Latchman rules against the Mohameds, both individuals would be immediately taken into custody despite their current GY$150,000 bail status.

    The United States seeks their extradition to face trial in Florida’s federal court on charges including mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering related to their gold trading operations, allegedly resulting in millions lost in tax revenue for Guyana.

    Justice Singh, in his ruling, determined that suspending the extradition process would constitute ‘a drastic remedy’ given that constitutional issues could be addressed without halting the proceedings. He noted the absence of demonstrated ‘immediate and irreversible harm’ and emphasized the public interest in honoring international extradition obligations.

    The Chief Justice scheduled January 14, 2026, for preliminary hearings on the constitutional challenges, setting the stage for a protracted legal battle that Forde acknowledged ‘will be a long, arduous process’ likely reaching the Caribbean Court of Justice.

  • PM Briceño Speaks On U.S. Actions in Venezuela

    PM Briceño Speaks On U.S. Actions in Venezuela

    In a significant development in Caribbean geopolitics, Belizean Prime Minister John Briceño has aligned with regional partners to express profound apprehension regarding the United States’ military intervention in Venezuela. The operation, executed on January 5th, 2026, resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his spouse.

    Prime Minister Briceño, in an exclusive dialogue with News Five, articulated Belize’s longstanding unease regarding heightened military activities in the Caribbean Sea. He emphasized that the recent events in Venezuela over the preceding forty-eight hours have intensified these concerns. The Belizean government is currently coordinating with both CARICOM (Caribbean Community) and SICA (Central American Integration System) member states to formulate a unified regional response to this crisis.

    Reaffirming his nation’s diplomatic stance, Briceño declared, “Belize maintains an unwavering commitment to the foundational tenets of international law and multilateral cooperation. We urgently implore all nations to uphold these fundamental principles.” This position mirrors the reaction from the United Nations, which has officially conveyed its deep alarm regarding the situation and questioned the operation’s adherence to established international legal standards.

    The U.S. operation, described by senior American officials as unprecedented in scope and the culmination of months of strategic planning, involved the deployment of over 150 aircraft. In the aftermath, Venezuela’s acting leadership under former Vice President Delcy Rodríguez initially issued strong condemnations but has subsequently signaled openness to diplomatic engagement with Washington, advocating for dialogue and cooperative relations. President Maduro is anticipated to face judicial proceedings on narcotics and weapons allegations in a New York City courtroom.

  • Venezuela Invites U.S. Collaboration After Trump Declares Control

    Venezuela Invites U.S. Collaboration After Trump Declares Control

    In a significant geopolitical development, Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez has extended an invitation for cooperative talks with the United States. This overture comes in direct response to President Donald Trump’s declaration that Washington would assume control of the South American nation following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

    Rodríguez articulated her position through a public statement advocating for bilateral collaboration, emphasizing the need for “an agenda of cooperation oriented towards shared development within the framework of international law.” This diplomatic approach contrasts sharply with the current U.S. strategy of aggressive intervention in Venezuela’s political trajectory.

    The situation has further complicated with President Trump’s dismissal of Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado as a potential successor to Maduro. During a Saturday briefing, Trump questioned Machado’s capacity to lead, stating she lacked the necessary “respect” to govern Venezuela effectively.

    Instead of expediting democratic elections, the Trump administration has prioritized stability and the rehabilitation of Venezuela’s crucial oil industry. Current policies maintain existing oil sanctions while continuing U.S. military operations in proximity to Venezuelan territory.

    Adding to the international dimension, the United Nations Secretary-General’s office has expressed profound alarm regarding the escalating situation. UN officials have raised substantive concerns about whether the Trump administration’s actions have adhered to established international legal standards.

  • Community policing in Pottersville and Bay Town off to a positive start

    Community policing in Pottersville and Bay Town off to a positive start

    In a proactive initiative to strengthen police-community relations, the Dominica Police Force (DPF) has launched an extensive community engagement program focused on direct interaction with residents. On January 2, 2026, officers from the Community Policing Unit conducted targeted foot patrols through the Pottersville and Bay Town districts, prioritizing face-to-face dialogue with local citizens and business proprietors.

    The initiative, branded under the ‘Community First’ philosophy, generated remarkably positive responses from community members. According to official statements released on the DPF’s Facebook platform, the interactions were marked by genuine camaraderie and lighthearted exchanges, with residents reciprocating the outreach with humor and warm engagement.

    Notably, the police presence was particularly welcomed against the backdrop of growing concerns about escalating violent crime throughout the region, especially incidents involving firearms. Community members explicitly expressed appreciation for the visible police deployment and voiced strong support for making these patrols a regular occurrence, emphasizing the importance of consistent law enforcement visibility in their neighborhoods.

    The Dominica Police Force has reaffirmed its institutional commitment to cultivating sustainable partnerships with the communities it serves. This community-oriented policing strategy represents a strategic shift toward collaborative crime prevention, with the ultimate objective of creating safer, more secure environments for all citizens through strengthened mutual trust and cooperation.

  • Boats, Goats & Dancing Ladies: A Caribbean Cacophony

    Boats, Goats & Dancing Ladies: A Caribbean Cacophony

    The Gallery of Caribbean Art is currently hosting “Boats, Goats & Dancing Ladies: A Caribbean Cacophony,” a spectacular solo exhibition featuring Grenadian artist Susan Mains. This presentation continues the artist’s longstanding relationship with the gallery, where she has consistently exhibited her work for nearly two decades since 2003.

    Mains masterfully transforms the Caribbean landscape into a dynamic visual symphony through her vibrant paintings. Her expressive brushwork captures boats gliding across turquoise waters, goats roaming sun-drenched hillsides, and dancing women moving rhythmically through fields bursting with color. The artist skillfully incorporates auditory elements—the flapping of sails in the breeze, the distinct bleating of goats, and the compelling beat of drums—creating an immersive multisensory experience that celebrates everyday island life.

    “In this time of world tension, art can give a respite, a moment away to remember the good things all around us,” Mains explained, highlighting the therapeutic value of her joyful artistic expressions.

    Beyond her studio practice, Mains has established herself as a significant cultural ambassador for Caribbean art. She recently played a pivotal role at Carifesta in Barbados this past August, where she championed Grenadian artists and facilitated broader regional dialogue about contemporary Caribbean art. Her global influence extends through her remarkable nine-time appointment as Commissioner of the Grenada Pavilion at the prestigious Venice Biennale, where she has consistently elevated Grenada’s presence on the international art stage.

    The exhibition serves as both a celebration of Mains’ artistic vitality and her enduring commitment to Caribbean cultural exchange. It offers viewers an invitation to experience the islands through a lens of color, memory, and movement. Those visiting Grenada can view her work permanently at the Susan Mains Gallery at Spiceland Mall or Art House 473 in Calliste.

    “Boats, Goats & Dancing Ladies: A Caribbean Cacophony” remains open to the public with free admission through February 5th, operating daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

  • Leading by example

    Leading by example

    In an unprecedented open letter to Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Eli Zakour, former Works and Transport Minister Dr. Jack A. Warner has raised significant concerns about the implementation of recent 100% traffic fine increases. While expressing admiration for Minister Zakour’s courage in implementing unpopular measures, the 82-year-old former official questioned the Christmas night announcement timing that many perceived as a ‘Grinch who stole Christmas’ moment.

    The correspondence, published in Newsday, acknowledges the necessity of addressing Trinidad and Tobago’s alarming road safety crisis but emphasizes the critical need for comprehensive enforcement strategies. Dr. Warner highlights the growing ‘bounce me nah’ pedestrian culture where jaywalking while distracted by mobile devices has become endemic, creating hazardous conditions for both pedestrians and motorists alike.

    Most notably, the former minister demands transparency regarding government vehicle roadworthiness, specifically questioning whether the state’s extensive fleet—including ministerial SUVs, NP tankers, T&TEC, WASA, TSTT vehicles, emergency services, and military transports—will undergo the same rigorous inspections now mandated for private citizens. Warner emphasizes that public confidence hinges on equal application of regulations across all sectors, stating that the state must lead by example through full accountability and transparency.

    The seasoned statesman concluded with recommendations for balanced enforcement, suggesting that pedestrian education and consistent standards across government and civilian vehicles must complement financial penalties to achieve meaningful road safety reform.

  • TTCB pays tribute to Eddie Hart, the cricketer

    TTCB pays tribute to Eddie Hart, the cricketer

    The Trinidad and Tobago cricket community is mourning the loss of Eddie Hart, the former Tunapuna MP and celebrated sportsman who passed away on January 4 at age 89. The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) issued an official statement honoring Hart’s significant contributions to both cricket and football development in the nation.

    While Hart gained wider recognition for his political career as a People’s National Movement stalwart and his football development work, the TTCB emphasized his profound impact on cricket. Hart was instrumental in forming the Eddie Hart Cricket Team, which he captained with distinction. The team featured notable players including former Trinidad and Tobago fast bowler Alec Burns and Jaswick Taylor, who represented the West Indies in three Test matches during the late 1950s.

    Hart made his mark in East Zone Council tournaments alongside fellow eastern sports legend Ulric ‘Buggy’ Haynes, who himself passed away in July 2025. Cricket enthusiasts in the eastern zone remembered Hart as a formidable fast bowler with a distinctive delivery action comparable to contemporary Indian pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah.

    The TTCB statement highlighted that Hart’s passing represents a substantial loss to Trinidad and Tobago’s sporting heritage, noting that his multifaceted contributions to sports, youth development, and national service cannot be overstated. Hart was remembered as maintaining an affable and easy-going demeanor while consistently focusing on creating opportunities for young athletes through both cricket and football.

  • From Red Force to USA: Katwaroo driving Falcons’ rise and youth development

    From Red Force to USA: Katwaroo driving Falcons’ rise and youth development

    Former Trinidad and Tobago Red Force wicketkeeper-batsman Steven Katwaroo has emerged as a transformative figure in American cricket development since relocating to New Jersey in 2021. The 32-year-old now serves as head coach at Falcons Junior Sports Club in Edison, where he has engineered a comprehensive restructuring of the club’s developmental framework.

    Upon arriving in the United States with foundational coaching credentials, Katwaroo immediately recognized the need for enhanced qualifications. He progressed through the coaching ranks to achieve level four specialist certification, the highest coaching designation. This educational advancement facilitated his implementation of a long-term development strategy that has dramatically elevated the club’s competitive standing.

    The Falcons program has witnessed remarkable transformation under Katwaroo’s leadership. Teams that previously languished at the bottom of league standings have evolved into formidable competitors across multiple age divisions. During the 2024-2025 season, the club secured fourth position in the U13 competition and dominated the U15 preliminary rounds before advancing to the semifinals.

    Katwaroo’s coaching influence now extends beyond the Falcons organization, with private online sessions servicing players across Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. His developmental roster exceeds 50 athletes, many of whom are being groomed for zonal, national, and international selection. A notable success story includes Kriti Dayalu, who progressed from complete novice to U15 national team selection within his program.

    The former Red Force player’s technical expertise has attracted collaborations with international cricketers including West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein and USA national player Jesse Singh. Katwaroo personally designs individualized improvement plans for each athlete while managing the entire coaching staff.

    Despite his substantial workload, which includes evaluating over 150 players as a selector for the US youth development pathway and introducing cricket to approximately 600 students during International Sports Week, Katwaroo remains driven by his profound connection to the sport. “Everything I learnt and achieved in life was through cricket,” he reflects. “I owe my life to the game.”

    Looking forward, Katwaroo plans to refine technical and mental training components during winter months, organize competitive tours, and provide clear pathways toward regional conference selections and national team placements. While focused on American cricket development, he remains open to future opportunities with Trinidad and Tobago or West Indies cricket organizations.

  • Rishi Gayadeen celebrates 40 years in music

    Rishi Gayadeen celebrates 40 years in music

    As Carnival preparations reach fever pitch in Trinidad and Tobago, veteran musician Rishi Gayadeen stands at the helm of both studio productions and live performances, marking an extraordinary 40-year career that has shaped the nation’s soundscape. The 51-year-old musical director, currently leading preparations as bandleader for the Chutney Soca Monarch competition, has already completed approximately 35 productions this season while balancing numerous private engagements.

    Gayadeen’s musical journey represents more than professional achievement—it embodies a lifelong dedication rooted in childhood discipline. Growing up surrounded by his father’s orchestra, The Gayatones, he describes music as haunting his soul from birth. “Being around that band room and rehearsal was a calling for me,” he reflects. “It haunted my soul. Every opportunity I got, I watched them rehearse and I soaked in everything.”

    His formal training began at six years old under his father’s strict guidance: “We were taught to play original East Indian music by dad who told us ‘If you can’t play it close to the record, then don’t play it.’” This foundation in musical authenticity would later expand through exposure to soca, chutney, and reggae artists, sparking what he describes as a fascination with understanding the structure and swing of all genres.

    The pivotal moment arrived when young Gayadeen first entered a recording studio. Witnessing technology transform creative vision into recorded art, he knew music would define his path. By 12, he was performing professionally; by 15, he had entered studio production. This evolution from keyboardist to producer, musical director, and mentor now includes nurturing emerging artists like Avinash Maharaj and Divya Gocool—a responsibility he embraces as repayment for opportunities received.

    Gayadeen’s career highlights include winning the Mastana Bahar competition in 2011 as a solo keyboardist, claiming a $75,000 prize that fulfilled a childhood dream. He credits mentor Kenny Phillips of KMP Studios for crucial guidance, particularly when installing Logic Pro Digital Studio on his laptop with the instruction: “go home and study this until you get it right.”

    Now leading RG The Band—a rebranding effort after 33 years in the industry—Gayadeen emphasizes the importance of evolution while preserving authenticity. “Never forget where you started,” he advises. “Building a foundation and preserving it will always keep you going.”

    Despite four decades of performances, Gayadeen’s passion remains undiminished. With a new recording studio under construction, upcoming tours, and year-round bookings, he affirms: “The stage is my home and I’ll play music till my last breath.” His commitment will culminate on March 22 with “RG Musical Journey,” a live performance showcasing his evolution through Bollywood, chutney, soca, and parang genres.

    Reflecting on his legacy, Gayadeen hopes to be remembered for quality, humility, and helping others achieve their dreams. For aspiring musicians, he offers tempered advice: “Set goals, focus on what you want and work hard toward it. There will be obstacles in your path, but don’t allow it to break your focus.”

    Having dedicated his life to music, Gayadeen concludes with profound certainty: “Music is who I am. I believe people were born to do certain things in this life. I feel blessed and grateful to be still on those stages…making our fans happy.”