Carib Scope

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  • Keshorn Walcott’s Golden League Athletics set for January 4 return

    Keshorn Walcott’s Golden League Athletics set for January 4 return

    The Keshorn Walcott Golden League Athletics series is set to launch its second season on January 4, 2026, commencing at the Eddie Hart Recreation Grounds in Tacarigua. This developmental circuit, named after Trinidad and Tobago’s two-time Olympic medalist and world champion javelin thrower, will continue its mission to cultivate emerging track and field talent through structured competitive opportunities.

    The 2026 season will feature a four-meet qualifying series culminating in a championship finale at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex on March 14. Utilizing a points-based league format, athletes will accumulate scores across the initial competitions, with the top eight performers in each individual event advancing to the finals.

    Competition will be organized across six age divisions: Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, and Under-20 categories for both male and female athletes. Following the Tacarigua opener, the circuit will proceed to Shaw Park in Tobago (January 18), Toco Secondary School Grounds (January 31), and Mahaica Sporting Complex in Point Fortin (February 14).

    The inaugural 2024-2025 season, which ran from December 2024 through March 2025, successfully prepared numerous junior athletes for the 2025 Carifta Games hosted at Hasely Crawford Stadium. Standout performers including Shian Lewis, Da Shaun Lezama, Christopher Sammy, Alex Seepersad, and Omare Thompson demonstrated their competitive readiness by capturing multiple titles in last season’s finals.

    Organizers have announced free admission to all meets, encouraging families, schools, and local communities to support the development of Trinidad and Tobago’s next generation of athletic talent. The series receives support from major sponsors including bmobile, KW Rehab Centre, Massy Foundation, and the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee, with Dasani and Powerade serving as official beverages.

    According to a league statement, ‘Golden League Athletics continues to strengthen the national athletics pipeline by providing consistent competition, exposure and motivation for young athletes,’ reinforcing its commitment to grassroots development within the sport.

  • Thanks for Christmas gift, WASA

    Thanks for Christmas gift, WASA

    Residents of Mt Hope experienced severe water service disruptions throughout the Christmas holiday period, highlighting systemic failures in the Water and Sewerage Authority’s (WASA) customer service and communication protocols. The crisis began precisely at 6:00 AM on Christmas morning when water supply was completely terminated without prior notification to paying customers.

    Service restoration proved inconsistent and inadequate, with water returning briefly around 2:00 PM on Boxing Day only to be disconnected again at approximately 6:00 PM after merely trickling for most of the four-hour window. The pattern continued on December 27th with minimal water flow from 6:00 AM until 11:00 AM. As of 12:15 PM on December 28th, residents remained without reliable water service despite their status as paying customers.

    The utility’s information systems failed completely during the crisis. WASA’s official website showed no service interruption notices for the affected area, while customer service representatives answering the 800-LEAK helpline could provide no explanation for the service failure or estimated restoration timelines.

    The authority’s Corporate Communications Department, currently under Kristy Ramnarine-Bakr’s leadership, faced sharp criticism for its apparent absence during the holiday emergency. The situation has raised serious questions about WASA’s management approach toward its customers, with residents reporting feeling ‘treated like scum’ by the organization’s leadership.

    Writer Linus F Didier, in a public letter to the editor, specifically called upon WASA Chairman Roshan Babwah, Acting CEO Dain Maharaj, and Acting Director of Customer Care Ellen Lewis to emulate the TT Electricity Commission’s (T&TEC) customer service standards and operational protocols. The comparison underscores growing public frustration with WASA’s service delivery model and its apparent disregard for customer communication during utility emergencies.

  • Building healthier eating habits for 2026 and beyond

    Building healthier eating habits for 2026 and beyond

    As the calendar turns to 2026, registered dietitian Dana Chong presents a compelling case against drastic New Year’s dietary resolutions, advocating instead for sustainable nutritional practices that extend beyond January’s enthusiasm. With over five years of expertise since graduating from UWI, St Augustine and registering with Trinidad and Tobago’s Nutritionists and Dietitians Board, Chong emphasizes simplicity as the cornerstone of lasting wellness.

    Chong’s nutritional philosophy centers on consistent nourishment rather than food group elimination. She recommends small, frequent meals and snacks to maintain energy levels, warning against meal-skipping that leads to fatigue, brain fog, and diminished focus. Timing emerges as another critical factor, with Chong advising against heavy eating two to three hours before bedtime to mitigate acid reflux risks and obesity-related concerns supported by scientific studies.

    Hydration assumes paramount importance in tropical climates, with Chong recommending eight to ten daily water glasses while discouraging soft drinks, juices, and energy beverages. She notes water constitutes approximately 60% of body weight and facilitates essential bodily functions.

    Addressing practical constraints, Chong encourages home-cooked meal preparation through bulk cooking and freezing strategies. For budget-conscious individuals, she suggests combining carbohydrate and protein sources like rice with peas or bread with tuna, supplemented with local vegetables such as callaloo and lettuce for nutritional balance. When fast food becomes unavoidable, she recommends low-fat, low-sugar options with mindful portion control using an eight-inch plate method: one-quarter carbohydrates, one-quarter protein, and half vegetables.

    Chong provides specialized guidance for diabetics during festive seasons like Carnival, emphasizing strategic snacking with nuts, dried fruits, and whole wheat crackers to maintain stable blood sugar levels. She cautions against excessive alcohol consumption and sugary drinks, noting a single 500ml soft drink may contain double the recommended daily sugar intake.

    The dietitian highlights the gut-brain connection, explaining how nutritional choices directly impact mental health through neurological pathways. She recommends brain-boosting foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, berries, and walnuts while stressing the importance of overall dietary balance rather than perfection.

    Chong concludes that realistic, consistent habits—not extreme measures—forge enduring relationships with food that transcend seasonal resolutions and yield lifelong wellness benefits.

  • Exxon gets EMA approval, Moonilal says red tape costing TT US$120m annually

    Exxon gets EMA approval, Moonilal says red tape costing TT US$120m annually

    In a significant development for Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector, ExxonMobil has received formal environmental clearance to commence seismic surveys in the massive TT Ultra Deep 1 (TTUD-1) block, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s economic revitalization efforts.

    The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) granted the Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) during a ceremony at the Eric Williams Finance Building in Port of Spain on December 29. Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal emphasized that ExxonMobil’s return could fundamentally reshape the country’s economic future, though he cautioned that bureaucratic delays continue to cost the nation substantial revenue.

    The TTUD-1 block, an aggregation of seven parcels east of Trinidad, represents an enormous undertaking at 7,165 square kilometers—significantly larger than Trinidad’s 5,128km surface area. The project’s initial phase carries a price tag of US$42.5 million (TT$288 million), with full development costs estimated between US$16.4 billion and US$21.7 billion.

    Technological advancements have been crucial in enabling this deepwater exploration. Modern drill ships, semi-submersibles, and high-pressure temperature technologies have overcome previous limitations, allowing operations at depths exceeding 2,000 meters (approximately 6,560 feet).

    ExxonMobil’s agreement includes drilling two exploration wells initially, with optional second and third phases containing additional wells. The company has committed to US$12.8 million (TT$87 million) in financial obligations during phase one, covering administrative charges, training contributions, research and development funding, technical assistance, equipment bonuses, and scholarships.

    Minister Moonilal revealed that accelerated decision-making could generate US$120 million annually for the nation. His ministry currently coordinates with 16 state agencies and ministries for various approvals, licenses, and legal orders, creating complex logistical challenges.

    To address these inefficiencies, the government is developing an energy hub that will streamline sector processes. With Cabinet approval pending, this hub will integrate entities both within and outside the energy ministry to resolve issues in real time—from lease operators facing bureaucratic delays to international companies awaiting work permits.

    Concurrently, Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Minister Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh announced the launch of the Priority Projects Portal, designed to provide transparent tracking of national initiatives as part of the government’s broader economic revitalization strategy.

  • Gonzales tells PM: Apologise for calling TT ‘lawless dump’

    Gonzales tells PM: Apologise for calling TT ‘lawless dump’

    Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape has been shaken by a heated confrontation between government and opposition figures following controversial remarks by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The controversy emerged when the Prime Minister characterized the nation as a “lawless dump” during discussions about newly implemented traffic penalty increases on December 28.

    Opposition Chief Whip and PNM chairman Marvin Gonzales launched a scathing rebuke against the Prime Minister’s comments, demanding an immediate public apology. In a strongly worded Facebook statement on December 29, Gonzales condemned the description as “an appalling betrayal of the office she holds” and labeled the language as “careless and contemptuous.”

    The political firestorm centers around Legal Notice No 471 of 2025, published on December 25, which substantially increased penalties for traffic violations. The revised framework introduces tiered speeding fines ranging from $2,000 for minor violations to $6,000 for severe infractions, while driving without insurance now carries a staggering $10,000 penalty—a tenfold increase from previous rates.

    Gonzales emphasized that while Trinidad and Tobago faces challenges similar to other nations, the country remains “blessed and fortunate in ways far better than others.” He asserted that national leadership should demonstrate “humility, morality and integrity” rather than engaging in public degradation of the nation.

    The Opposition has scheduled a news conference for December 30 at the Opposition Leader’s office to address this controversy among other national issues. This development marks another chapter in the ongoing political tension between the ruling UNC party and opposition PNM, recalling Persad-Bissessar’s pre-election promise in April 2024 to reduce traffic fines and implement driver education programs when she served as opposition leader.

    The Prime Minister has defended the policy shift as necessary to combat persistent dangerous driving, arguing that previous measures including the demerit points system failed to adequately deter repeat offenders. The government has consequently scrapped most of the demerit system in favor of significantly higher fixed penalties.

  • Piparo residents flee amid volcano rumblings

    Piparo residents flee amid volcano rumblings

    The Piparo Mud Volcano in Trinidad has entered a dangerous phase of heightened activity, compelling residents to abandon their homes following a comprehensive geological assessment that classified the feature as “very active” with elevated risks to the surrounding community. While surface manifestations have diminished since last week’s seismic event, the underlying threat remains critically high according to researchers from the University of the West Indies (UWI).

    The December 24 volcanic activity triggered substantial ground movement that damaged infrastructure and homes throughout the Piparo region. Kim Seebaran, a 65-year-old resident of Panchoo Trace, described the terror of hearing her roof buckle and watching utility poles tilt during the earth movements. After reviewing the UWI report indicating mud and pressure advancing northwest toward her property, Seebaran made the difficult decision to relinquish 32 years of history and relocate to Chaguanas.

    Fedell Solomon, whose residence at the intersection of Panchoo Trace and Piparo Road suffered severe damage, has arranged for his three young daughters to evacuate following the alarming scientific findings. Solomon emphasized the heartbreaking nature of this decision, noting it marks the first separation from his children but acknowledging that “life is important” when facing geological threats.

    The UWI research team, led by Professor of Geomechanics and Geophysics Oshaine Blake and PhD candidate Kerneese Ramjarrie, analyzed data from monitoring instruments positioned around the volcanic site. Their report confirmed rapid pressure buildup and northwestward mud movement, recommending urgent funding enhancement for improved monitoring capabilities and early warning systems.

    At Robinson Hill, the landslip rendered roads impassable and structurally compromised Sybil Badall’s home, making it appear as though resting on a sliding surface. Her son Vickram Moonesar expressed concerns about relocation needs, particularly with his eldest son preparing for crucial academic examinations.

    Despite police barricades, some motorists attempted to navigate the damaged thoroughfares, exiting vehicles to guide drivers across compromised sections. While residents criticized delayed emergency response times, they acknowledged governmental efforts in restoring utilities and initiating road repairs.

    The community faces complex challenges, with many families having multi-generational ties to the area. Solomon highlighted the insensitivity of social media commentary questioning why residents built near volcanic sites, explaining that many homes predated the volcano’s development and relocation presents significant logistical and financial hurdles.

    The Piparo volcano, Trinidad’s most active among 32 such features, previously erupted violently in February 2017, displacing 300 people and causing substantial property damage. The current activity represents the most significant threat since the 1997 eruption, with additional periods of heightened activity occurring in October 2019 and during the recent Christmas Eve event.

    Government authorities, including Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen and Princes Town MP Dr. Aiyna Ali, have not yet commented on the UWI findings. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management is scheduled to convene emergency responders to discuss implications for existing response plans.

  • Door open to all immigrants, government expands registration framework

    Door open to all immigrants, government expands registration framework

    The Trinidad and Tobago government has announced a significant expansion of its Migrant Registration Framework (MRF), extending eligibility to all undocumented migrants regardless of nationality from January 1 to September 30, 2026. This policy shift represents a strategic departure from the previous framework that exclusively accommodated Venezuelan nationals.

    Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander will oversee the issuance of registration cards containing biometric data and personal information, enabling previously undocumented migrants to obtain legal residency and work rights. The government has simultaneously amended immigration regulations to include children of permit holders, ensuring family unity within the legal framework.

    The expansion has generated mixed reactions within migrant communities. Venezuelans, who constitute the largest migrant group with approximately 44,000 individuals, largely welcomed the initiative as protection against deportation. However, concerns persist regarding implementation details and ongoing diplomatic tensions between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela.

    Notably, the policy includes stringent provisions for deporting migrants with criminal records or deemed security risks. Cabinet has referred coordination of deportations to the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs for diplomatic engagement with relevant embassies.

    Civil society organizations including the La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre have urged migrants to rely exclusively on official information channels while preparing necessary documentation. Meanwhile, community advocate Moises Perez Mcnish emphasized the economic contributions of skilled Venezuelan professionals in fields including medicine, engineering, and sports education.

    The policy revision has also addressed previous criticisms regarding unequal treatment of migrant groups. Dr. David Muhammad of the Black Agenda Project welcomed the inclusive approach, noting that African migrants had previously faced systemic disadvantages compared to Venezuelan counterparts during the 2019 registration process.

  • TTPost: No packages through registered mail

    TTPost: No packages through registered mail

    A significant transformation in international mail services will take effect on January 1 as TT Postal Corporation (TTPost) implements sweeping changes to its International Registered Mail service. According to a December 29 announcement, the state mail carrier will exclusively process documents through this service, completely ceasing acceptance of both outbound and inbound goods and merchandise.

    This policy shift stems from a worldwide standardization initiative mandated by the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the specialized United Nations agency that coordinates postal policies among member nations. The UPU’s new regulations fundamentally redefine the scope of International Registered Mail, restricting it strictly to documents possessing no commercial value.

    Permissible items under the revised framework include legal documents, various certificates, and official correspondence. The prohibition extends to all merchandise and commercial goods, regardless of size or value.

    TTPost has directed customers seeking to ship commercial items toward their Parcel Post Service, which offers specialized handling mechanisms, comprehensive tracking capabilities, and proof of delivery features specifically engineered for items of commercial worth. The corporation emphasized that utilizing the appropriate service would prevent potential delays or forced returns of prohibited mailings.

    The postal service acknowledged potential disruptions during the transition period, extending apologies for any inconvenience while expressing appreciation for public understanding and cooperation. Customers seeking clarification may contact the Customer Service Department through multiple channels: telephone (774-1065, 773-6098, 773-6104), WhatsApp (774-0715), email (customer.service@ttpost.gov.tt), or the official website at www.ttpost.net.

  • 407 fewer murders

    407 fewer murders

    Jamaica’s Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake has presented year-end data demonstrating significant crime reduction achievements while contextualizing police-involved shootings. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) recorded 310 fatal shootings during 30 separate confrontations in 2025, according to figures from the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).

    Commissioner Blake emphasized that these incidents must be understood within the broader framework of dramatically increased police operations, which saw over 100,000 interactions between law enforcement and citizens throughout the year. The fatal shootings represent less than 0.3% of all police-citizen encounters, a statistic Blake characterizes as minimal given the operational context.

    The commissioner reiterated the JCF’s fundamental commitment to preserving life while acknowledging ongoing investigations into shooting incidents. “The Jamaica Constabulary Force’s preference is, and has always been, to preserve life and bring offenders before the court,” Blake stated, adding that data from 2025 unequivocally supports this position.

    Blake attributed Jamaica’s remarkable crime reduction to a multi-faceted strategy combining intelligence-led policing, targeted anti-gang operations, enhanced firearms interdiction, and substantial government support. The nation recorded 649 murders as of December 20, 2025—representing a 43% reduction nationally and 487 fewer murders compared to the same period in 2024.

    This substantial improvement marks a dramatic turnaround from 2017, when Jamaica recorded over 1,640 murders—the third-highest number in the country’s history. Blake highlighted that 2025’s achievements resulted from “long hours, difficult decisions, professionalism, and exceptional support from our stakeholders.”

    The commissioner also acknowledged challenges, noting slight increases in robberies and break-ins despite an overall 13% reduction in major crimes across all divisions. He emphasized that the progress represents a collaborative achievement involving government backing, financial resources, and institutional support from entities like the Police Service Commission.

    Blake concluded with an appeal to criminal elements: “We urge members of the public, particularly those engaged in criminal activity, to comply with police instructions. When confronted by law enforcement, escalation is a choice and a very dangerous one.” He expressed confidence that continued public cooperation would lead to even fewer fatal shootings in 2026.

  • JPS ups power restoration effort

    JPS ups power restoration effort

    Jamaica’s hurricane recovery efforts received substantial reinforcement Sunday as 72 specialized utility vehicles arrived at Freeport in Montego Bay to bolster the Jamaica Public Service Company’s (JPS) grid restoration operations. The shipment included critical equipment such as bucket trucks, diggers, pole trailers, and pickup trucks destined for deployment with recently arrived Holland Power Services crews.

    According to a Monday news release from JPS, these assets will be primarily allocated to Westmoreland and other severely impacted regions in western Jamaica where Category 5 Hurricane Melissa inflicted catastrophic damage to electrical infrastructure on October 28, 2025. This delivery brings the total number of specialized vehicles imported since the hurricane to approximately 160 units.

    Detommie Fuller, JPS Manager for Business Continuity Resiliency and Contract Management, emphasized that the additional fleet will ensure newly arrived linemen are fully equipped to collaborate with Jamaican, Caribbean, and international crews. Their mission: restore power to the remaining 12% of JPS customers still without electricity.

    The engagement of Holland Power Services represents part of JPS’s proactive business continuity strategy initiated in February 2025 before hurricane season. Another firm, Tempest, was similarly contracted, with team members arriving days before Melissa’s landfall to enable immediate response once government authorization was granted.

    Following the revelation of the hurricane’s unprecedented devastation, JPS expanded its contractor lineup to include Greystone. Both Greystone and Holland crews have received logistical support from the Jamaican government to accelerate recovery operations through additional personnel deployments.