Carib Scope

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  • Some new year thoughts

    Some new year thoughts

    In a comprehensive New Year’s address to the nation, Surujrattan Rambachan delivered a poignant reflection on Trinidad and Tobago’s current challenges and future aspirations. The leader acknowledged the profound impact of global crises—from geopolitical conflicts and economic pressures to climate vulnerability—on the Caribbean nation, while emphasizing the distinctive resilience of its citizens.

    Rambachan painted a realistic portrait of domestic concerns affecting households nationwide: escalating living costs, public safety anxieties, economic transitions, and social fragmentation. Yet he countered this narrative by highlighting the enduring strength demonstrated through community solidarity, with educators, healthcare professionals, first responders, and ordinary citizens consistently reinforcing societal foundations.

    The address celebrated Trinidad and Tobago’s unique multicultural identity, noting how diverse religious and cultural traditions—from Divali and Eid to Christmas and Carnival—form the nation’s collective heartbeat. This diversity, Rambachan stressed, represents an active practice rather than mere slogan, requiring continuous nurturing.

    A significant portion of the message focused on reciprocal responsibilities. Leadership must demonstrate integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance, while citizens should uphold respect for legal frameworks and communal spaces. The speaker emphasized that combating crime necessitates addressing root causes through prevention strategies, community engagement, and moral leadership alongside enforcement measures.

    Economic transformation emerged as a critical priority, with calls for diversification beyond energy sectors through investments in technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and creative industries. Rambachan insisted that economic success must be measured by inclusive growth that benefits all citizens regardless of background.

    The address specifically addressed youth development, emphasizing the need for educational systems that foster character development and critical thinking alongside academic achievement. Environmental stewardship received urgent attention as well, with warnings about climate threats to the nation’s natural heritage.

    Concluding with a call for personal and collective renewal, Rambachan invoked themes of shared destiny, mutual respect, and hopeful perseverance, wishing citizens a meaningful year ahead guided by cooperation and principle.

  • Anderson is the 2025 UWI Global Campus valedictorian

    Anderson is the 2025 UWI Global Campus valedictorian

    Alex Anderson, an accomplished Jamaican educator, has been selected as the valedictorian for The University of the West Indies Global Campus Class of 2025. The virtual graduation ceremony, scheduled for January 10th, will feature Anderson addressing fellow graduates from across the region.

    Hailing from Montego Bay, St. James, Anderson brings eight years of primary school teaching experience to his new honor. His educational philosophy centers on transformative, student-focused approaches that foster confidence, curiosity, and academic excellence. Before pursuing his Bachelor of Education in Educational Leadership and Management at UWI Global Campus, Anderson earned a psychology degree from Canada’s University of Waterloo in 2012.

    Anderson’s teaching methodology transcends conventional academic metrics, emphasizing the development of critical thinking skills essential for success beyond classroom walls. He balances full-time teaching with academic rigor and family responsibilities, embodying perseverance and resilience—qualities he attributes to Walter Elliot’s philosophy about perseverance consisting of ‘many short races one after the other.’

    Beyond his professional accomplishments, Anderson maintains diverse personal interests including football, travel, music, and culinary arts—a passion nurtured alongside his mother in their family kitchen. His Christian faith profoundly influences both his personal and professional life, guided by principles from Philippians 2:3-4 emphasizing humility, compassion, and purposeful living.

    Dr. Francis O. Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UWI Global Campus, expressed particular satisfaction that an educator received this recognition, noting it serves as motivation for teachers and education professionals whose contributions often go unrecognized despite being fundamental to student development.

    The university’s Senior Management Team has extended congratulations for Anderson’s academic achievement and best wishes for his future endeavors. The virtual ceremony will be broadcast on January 10th at 6:00 PM EC time through multiple platforms including UWItv.global, Facebook Live, and Flow EVO channels.

  • Red Force Divas guard against complacency ahead of T20 Blaze

    Red Force Divas guard against complacency ahead of T20 Blaze

    As the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force Divas intensify preparations for back-to-back regional cricket tournaments, head coach Merissa Aguilleira has identified mental complacency as the primary obstacle her squad must overcome. The team is currently in final training camp ahead of the Cricket West Indies Women’s T20 Blaze competition, scheduled for January 13-24 at Arnos Vale Playing Field in St Vincent, which will be immediately followed by the condensed CG United Women’s Super50 Cup from January 27-31.

    The TT squad, which captured last year’s Super50 title with a decisive seven-wicket victory over Barbados, finished a disappointing fifth in the 2025 T20 Blaze. This inconsistency has prompted strategic adjustments to both training methods and mental approach under Aguilleira’s leadership.

    ‘Players aren’t lacking in technical preparation—they’ve been executing superbly in both formats, demonstrating powerful hitting and intelligent running between wickets,’ Aguilleira stated in a January 6 interview. ‘The critical challenge is maintaining consistency and avoiding complacency during high-pressure situations.’

    The 14-member squad boasts considerable experience with captain Karishma Ramharack—named TTCB’s 2025 Female International Cricketer of the Year—leading a group that includes legendary off-spinner Anisa Mohammed alongside veterans Britney Cooper and Lee Ann Kirby. The team also features promising young talent with 18-year-old Samara Ramnath and 15-year-old leg-spin prodigy Shriya Jairam.

    Significant tactical changes have been implemented following post-season evaluation, particularly in batting strategy. The recruitment of renowned Caribbean batting coach Robert Samuels in September has already yielded measurable improvements according to the coaching staff.

    Recognizing fitness as another crucial component, the management arranged multiple two-day matches in late December to enhance endurance and wicket preservation—essential for the condensed tournament schedule. Additional preparation included night games under lights to simulate match conditions and a final 50-over practice match against male opponents.

    The team’s psychological preparation received equal attention, with a specialized sports psychology session conducted by the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago on January 6. This mental conditioning comes despite the squad’s recent near-miss at the Bolivarian Games in Peru, where Aguilleira noted significant progress despite falling short of gold.

    ‘Our performances in Peru demonstrated we’re operating at an elevated level compared to regional counterparts,’ Aguilleira observed. ‘Maintaining composure under pressure remains our final piece of the puzzle.’

    The coach acknowledged Trinidad and Tobago’s traditional status as a target for regional rivals, embracing the competitive pressure that comes with their championship pedigree. The squad departs for St Vincent on January 10, fully aware that defending their Super50 title while improving T20 performance will require both physical excellence and mental resilience.

  • Newly-promoted Shiva Boys ready to battle SSCL giants

    Newly-promoted Shiva Boys ready to battle SSCL giants

    Shiva Boys’ Hindu College is poised to compete in Trinidad and Tobago’s elite secondary school cricket circuit as they enter the 2026 PowerGen Secondary Schools Cricket League (SSCL) premier I division. Their promotion follows a triumphant 2025 season where they clinched the south championship division title.

    Team manager Shane Lutchman confirmed the squad has undergone intensive training since September in preparation for the upcoming 50-over competition. “We have been putting in the work. Now it is approaching the season, so we are hoping for the best,” Lutchman stated, acknowledging the challenge ahead.

    The premier I division features eight teams this year—down from ten—due to financial and logistical considerations. This condensed format also accommodates students’ academic commitments during CSEC and CAPE mock examinations. Shiva Boys will compete against established cricketing institutions including Queen’s Royal College, Presentation College Chaguanas, Presentation College San Fernando, Hillview College, Naparima College, St Mary’s College, and Vishnu Boys’ Hindu College.

    Lutchman emphasized the importance of mental acuity alongside technical skills: “Players must consistently outthink their opponents. We’ve built a versatile squad where every member can contribute with the bat, supported by a diverse bowling attack featuring pacers and specialized spinners.”

    Key players include medium-pacers Jaden Seurattan and Justin Hamid, complemented by left-arm spinners Sajiv and Adam Ghuran. Mickhel Sookdeo, another left-arm spinner, returns after an impressive 2025 season. The team retains most of its championship-winning roster, with Kiran Singh and Antonio Bachoo also expected to provide leadership.

    The SSCL has restructured its format, renaming the championship division as premier II with north and south subdivisions. Winners from each will earn promotion to the 2027 premier I competition.

    Shiva Boys’ last participated in the top division in 2022. Their return begins later this month as they face Trinidad’s most formidable school cricket programs.

  • Holders Army face ‘Cale,’ hunt TTPFL lead

    Holders Army face ‘Cale,’ hunt TTPFL lead

    In a pivotal rescheduled fixture of the TT Premier Football League (TTPFL), reigning champions Defence Force stand poised to claim the top position in the 2025/26 standings. On January 7th, the unbeaten military outfit will confront eighth-placed Caledonia AIA at St James Police Barracks in an 8 pm kickoff.

    Under the guidance of coach Devorn Jorsling, Defence Force has demonstrated remarkable consistency with seven victories and two draws from nine matches. With 23 points currently, a triumph would propel them past both Miscellaneous Police FC (25 points) and Club Sando (24 points), establishing a one-point advantage despite having two games in hand.

    The team’s momentum surged recently with a 3-1 victory over San Juan Jabloteh on January 3rd, featuring goals from Kaihim Thomas, Isaiah Garcia, and returning captain Kevin Molino. This match carried added narrative weight as former Defence Force standout Isaiah ‘Bongo’ Leacock scored on his Jabloteh debut before celebrating provocatively toward his former coach.

    Meanwhile, the evening’s opening encounter at 6 pm features a resurgent Eagles FC against bottom-dwelling Terminix La Horquetta Rangers. Eagles ride a three-match winning streak against 1976 FC Phoenix, Jabloteh, and Caledonia, seeking to continue their ascent from ninth position. The Rangers struggle profoundly with merely one victory this season, creating a compelling contrast of fortunes.

    Current TTPFL Tier One Standings (selected):
    1. Police FC – 25 pts (11 matches)
    2. Club Sando – 24 pts (11 matches)
    3. Defence Force – 23 pts (9 matches)
    4. Prisons FC – 22 pts (11 matches)
    8. Caledonia AIA – 10 pts (9 matches)
    9. Eagles FC – 10 pts (10 matches)
    12. La Horquetta Rangers – 5 pts (10 matches)

  • Cougars set early pace at Golden League Athletics opener

    Cougars set early pace at Golden League Athletics opener

    The 2026 Keshorn Walcott Golden League Athletics series commenced with spectacular performances at Eddie Hart Grounds in Tacarigua on January 4, where Cougars Track and Field established an early championship pedigree by securing eleven victories across multiple age categories.

    Cougars’ supremacy manifested most prominently in sprint and middle-distance disciplines. Azailya Waldron ignited the club’s success with a blistering 9.11-second finish in the U11 girls 60m, leading a podium sweep that saw teammates Amirah Greene (9.31s) and Sarah Llewellyn (9.52s) capturing second and fourth places respectively. Joel Diaz replicated this dominance in the boys’ equivalent, storming to victory in 8.95 seconds.

    The club’s middle-distance prowess shone through Arthur Caleb and Gill Liam’s commanding one-two finish in the U13 boys 800m (2:45.47 and 3:07.53), while Seth Sylvester added another title in the U15 boys 800m (2:32.67). Nyla Kerr demonstrated exceptional form in the U17 girls 800m (2:25.61), and Charis McKie concluded Cougars’ stellar day with a dominant 2:31.98 performance in the U20 girls 800m.

    Memphis Pioneers emerged as formidable challengers, with Eden Chee Wah delivering a spectacular double victory in the U17 girls’ 60m (7.87s) and 200m (25.36s). Imani Mills edged a competitive U20 girls’ 60m field in 7.67s, while Josiah Kaiten achieved sprint double glory in the U15 category (60m in 7.62s, 200m in 23.56s).

    Pace and Performance completed the top three teams, highlighted by Keanna Cummings’ U15 girls 60m triumph (8.35s), Aaliyah Griffith’s 800m victory (2:44.21), and Renaldo Le Gendre’s impressive U17 boys 800m win (2:12.03).

    The athletic spectacle now progresses to subsequent rounds at Shaw Park, Tobago (January 18), Toco Secondary Grounds (January 31), Mahaica Sporting Complex (February 14), culminating at Diego Martin Sporting Complex on March 14 for the championship finale.

  • Fire forces closure of Beetham Landfill

    Fire forces closure of Beetham Landfill

    Port of Spain faces an environmental emergency as a persistent blaze at the Beetham Landfill has forced authorities to indefinitely suspend operations at the facility. The fire initially ignited on the eastern sector of the landfill around 9:55 PM on January 4th, subsequently spreading to southeastern areas before firefighters managed to contain the primary outbreak by 12:30 AM the following day.

    Despite containment efforts, significant residual smoke continues to emanate from the site, creating visible pollution across Port of Spain and neighboring communities. The Port of Spain City Corporation has implemented contingency measures, redirecting all sanitation operations to the Forres Park Landfill in Claxton Bay—a substantial logistical shift requiring deployment of all available collection vehicles to manage the extended travel distance.

    State-owned waste management company Swmcol has issued public health advisories warning residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions, to exercise extreme caution when traveling near Beetham Highway and adjacent areas. The corporation has coordinated additional resources with municipal authorities to fully extinguish the smoldering waste and bring the situation under complete control.

    The incident highlights ongoing challenges in waste management infrastructure within urban Caribbean communities, with the indefinite closure posing questions about long-term solutions for the capital’s sanitation needs.

  • Central Bank’s lawsuit against Lawrence Duprey, others starts

    Central Bank’s lawsuit against Lawrence Duprey, others starts

    A landmark legal proceeding spanning over a decade has commenced in Trinidad and Tobago’s High Court, targeting the estate of late financial magnate Lawrence Duprey and five co-defendants over the catastrophic collapse of CL Financial Group. The civil lawsuit, initiated by the Central Bank and Colonial Life Insurance Company (Clico), alleges systematic financial misconduct that precipitated one of the Caribbean’s most devastating corporate failures.

    Justice Robin Mohammed is presiding over the complex case at Port of Spain’s Waterfront Judicial Centre, where plaintiffs seek billions in damages from Duprey’s estate, former corporate secretary Gita Sakal, and ex-executive Andre Monteil, along with affiliated entities Dalco Capital Management and Stone Street Capital Ltd. The defendants face allegations of orchestrating a scheme where policyholder funds were systematically diverted to finance personal luxuries and private business ventures rather than being safeguarded for investors.

    According to court documents, Clico operated with “grossly deficient” governance structures, enabling the conglomerate’s leadership to misuse insurance deposits and mutual fund investments. The 2009 collapse revealed staggering liabilities exceeding $12 billion, forcing government intervention through emergency powers under the Central Bank Act. Subsequent bailouts consumed approximately $5 billion in taxpayer funds initially, with outstanding obligations reportedly reaching $13 billion as recently as the 2025 budget address by Finance Minister Colm Imbert.

    Testimony from former Central Bank governor Ewart Williams highlighted early warning signs, including a 2005 regulatory investigation that identified compliance issues within Clico’s operations. Forensic accounting analysis by Ernst & Young concluded that Clico Investment Bank would likely have been declared insolvent as early as 2007. Williams’ cross-examination revealed contentious discrepancies in statutory fund calculations, with the Central Bank reporting a $600 million deficit while Clico’s records showed a $500 million surplus for the same period.

    The trial continues with expectations of prolonged proceedings as plaintiffs attempt to untangle the complex financial architecture that once controlled over $100 billion in assets across 72 international companies spanning banking, energy, and real estate sectors.

  • Mad rush to avoid fines, coconut vendor gets $19k ticket

    Mad rush to avoid fines, coconut vendor gets $19k ticket

    A dramatic surge in vehicle inspections has swept across Trinidad following the implementation of steeper penalties for driving without valid certification. Effective January 1st, fines for operating vehicles without proper inspection stickers skyrocketed from $1,000 to $2,000, triggering unprecedented demand at inspection stations nationwide.

    The overwhelming response began immediately after the increased penalties were publicized on Christmas Day. Damian Chow of Chow’s Service Bay in Sangre Grande reported inspection facilities being inundated with vehicles, particularly public service vehicles like maxis and taxis that are now eligible for certification at private stations. “This is happening across the board,” Chow confirmed, noting that many garages have implemented appointment systems and extended to seven-day operations to manage the influx.

    At Suncoast Enterprises Ltd in Penal, manager Zobida Gilbert reported processing 30-35 vehicles daily, though the transition to a new digital system has revealed documentation discrepancies. Many motorists now face additional trips to the Licensing Office in Caroni to rectify typographical errors before certificates can be issued.

    The situation has created secondary challenges, with inspection stations making frequent trips to licensing offices for sticker replenishment, often encountering long queues alongside citizens addressing documentation issues. Gilbert suggested implementing dedicated lines for vehicle testing stations to improve efficiency.

    The intensified enforcement has had severe consequences for some motorists. Ravi Baboolal, a 39-year-old coconut vendor from Friendship Village, received six tickets totaling $19,000 during a traffic stop on January 4th. The citations included penalties for defective tires, unsecured load, and driving without valid insurance—a charge Baboolal vehemently disputes, presenting documentation showing coverage valid until January 29, 2026.

    Baboolal’s case highlights the disproportionate impact on working citizens, as the substantial fines exceed his annual earnings. “I cannot afford to pay $19,000,” he stated, explaining that such penalties would force him to sell his vehicle—essential to his livelihood—to settle the debt by the February 3rd deadline.

    The Owner Dealers Association has appealed to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation for a one-to-three-month delay in implementing the new fees and penalties. Association president Reval Chattergoon cited the “increased mental stress and financial strain on citizens” resulting from the abrupt changes announced without sufficient warning or transition period.

    While acknowledging the need for road safety improvements, Chattergoon proposed alternative revenue generation methods, including vanity license plates and expanded vehicle registration programs, arguing these would provide more humane approaches to achieving the government’s objectives.

  • Grading cops in schools

    Grading cops in schools

    As the new academic term commenced on January 5, education authorities face mounting criticism for their failure to provide comprehensive assessments regarding the controversial police presence initiative in schools. The program, initially launched last September amid considerable public attention, remains shrouded in uncertainty due to insufficient official reporting.

    While a single term may be inadequate for full evaluation, the Ministry of Education under Dr. Michael Dowlath has demonstrated concerning passivity in communicating the program’s effectiveness to stakeholders. The limited available data reveals troubling insights: 29 students across various institutions were arrested during the first term for offenses including weapon and drug possession, assault, and robbery.

    Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin confirmed the program’s expansion, with Tranquillity Government Secondary School joining the list of institutions under police monitoring. This development suggests official satisfaction with current outcomes, though concrete supporting evidence remains scarce.

    The initiative’s more measurable aspects—statistical data and frequency of violent incident reports—paint an incomplete picture. More nuanced outcomes, including shifts in student behavior and community dynamics, require extended observation periods and potentially years of expert analysis.

    Concerns persist regarding the judicial processing of arrested students, with insufficient transparency about court decisions and remedial measures. Similarly, the performance evaluation of the 95 specially trained officers assigned to the program remains undisclosed.

    Education stakeholders await comprehensive reporting by term’s end to determine whether this security measure represents meaningful progress or merely symbolic intervention.