Carib Scope

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  • COURSE CORRECTION

    COURSE CORRECTION

    Facing a pivotal 2027 lease review with the state-owned Urban Development Corporation (UDC), the Caymanas Acquisition Group (CAG) is fundamentally restructuring its business model for the Caymanas Golf & Country Club. The operator is increasingly pinning the property’s long-term viability on the surrounding commercial and residential development blossoming at Caymanas Estates in St. Catherine.

    CAG assumed operational control of the UDC-owned facility in 2017 under a long-term lease featuring a critical 10-year review clause. An initial capital injection of approximately $30 million was deployed to stabilize and reposition the asset, funding significant enhancements beyond the golf course itself. This investment spearheaded the creation of Villa Vista, a dedicated private events venue that has since become the cornerstone of a thriving weddings and premium functions business, alongside comprehensive upgrades to the course and its supporting infrastructure.

    Despite these improvements, management acknowledges that golf participation has failed to meet initial projections. General Manager Peter Lindo identified demographic challenges as a core issue, noting an aging membership base and the significant time commitment acting as a barrier for younger professionals. In response, CAG has introduced a revamped ‘Flex Play’ membership structure designed to lower the financial barrier to entry through a reduced base fee coupled with heavily discounted green fees per round, aiming to bolster engagement without eroding the revenue base.

    This strategic pivot is part of a broader evolution since the 2017 takeover. Early initiatives focused on monetizing underutilized midweek capacity by marketing the property for corporate retreats and conferences. A 2019 program offering free weekday golf lessons for women sought to broaden local participation. Throughout these efforts, the events business has proven remarkably resilient, now hosting over 100 weddings annually, though it faced a temporary setback from hurricane-related cancellations in late 2023.

    Lindo emphasizes that course quality is not the constraint, citing its consistent standards and role in hosting major tournaments. The future, he contends, is inextricably linked to external development. The advancing Raintree Commercial Complex, Caymanas Special Economic Zone, and related projects are expected to generate the density needed to overcome the location’s accessibility challenge. This development momentum along the Mandela Highway corridor, exemplified by the bustling Kingston 876 commercial district nearby, signals a growing investor appetite for areas outside traditional urban cores.

    While optimistic, Lindo cited ongoing infrastructure constraints—water, electricity, and road conditions—as issues requiring continued dialogue with the UDC. Concurrently, CAG is investing in the sport’s long-term future through youth programs with InSports, recognizing that cultivating interest from a young age is essential for sustaining the player pipeline. All factors will be on the table when CAG and the UDC convene for their decisive lease review in 2027.

  • RAY OF SUNSHINE

    RAY OF SUNSHINE

    As Jamaica’s national netball team, the Sunshine Girls, finalizes preparations for their upcoming three-Test series against world champions Australia, Head Coach Sasher-Gaye Henry-Wright is projecting an optimistic outlook. The series, scheduled for February 5-11 in Australia, represents one of the most challenging fixtures on the international netball calendar.

    The squad receives a significant boost with the return of seasoned players Nicole Dixon-Rochester, Kadie-Ann Dehaney, and Latanya Wilson, who are rejoining the team directly in Australia following their club commitments. Their experience is expected to be crucial against the world’s top-ranked team.

    Coach Henry-Wright acknowledges the absence of familiar shooting personnel but views this as a valuable development opportunity for emerging talents. While statistical performance from shooters during the England series showed promise, the team identified ball delivery into the shooting circle as a key area requiring improvement.

    The technical focus for the Australian tour emphasizes reducing turnover rates, enhancing through-court transitional play, and significantly improving center pass conversion percentages. “Converting our center passes is fundamental to competing against elite opposition,” Henry-Wright stated in her interview with the Jamaica Observer.

    To bridge the competitive gap, Jamaica will arrive early in Australia for preparatory matches against local teams. The coaching staff has been analyzing game tapes to identify strategic advantages and potential pairing opportunities against the Australian side.

    Domestically, the team has been training against male netball squads to simulate the intensity and physicality expected from the world champions. Although acknowledging the difference in playing styles, Henry-Wright emphasized these sessions provide essential match practice and competitive readiness.

    This series serves as critical preparation for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with Jamaica aiming to upgrade their silver medal performance from the 2022 Birmingham Games. The Australian tests will provide the ultimate benchmark against netball’s dominant force.

  • Congrats toAugustineand TPP

    Congrats toAugustineand TPP

    In a formal communication addressed to the editorial board, the Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI) has officially extended its congratulations to Political Leader Farley Augustine and the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) for their decisive victory in the recent Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections.

    The TTCSI, representing the nation’s services sector, commended the TPP’s dedication and persistent efforts over its previous four-year term. The coalition attributed the electoral success to the party’s unwavering commitment to serving the people of Tobago and engaging with all relevant stakeholders, characterizing the win as a ‘well-deserved’ outcome that reflects public confidence.

    With this renewed electoral mandate, the TTCSI expressed optimism about the opportunity to build upon existing achievements and accelerate progress toward realizing Tobago’s full economic potential. As the primary umbrella organization for service industries, the coalition announced its intention to strengthen collaborative efforts with the THA throughout 2026 and subsequent years.

    The organization envisions a partnership focused on enhancing the competitiveness of service sectors across Trinidad and Tobago. This collaboration aims to empower citizens by facilitating the export of their talents and professional expertise to international markets, ultimately contributing to sustainable national economic growth and prosperity.

    The communication was formally submitted via electronic mail and signed by the TTCSI organization.

  • Lincoln Center show a huge success: Kes appears on Pix 11

    Lincoln Center show a huge success: Kes appears on Pix 11

    Caribbean music achieved an unprecedented milestone at New York’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts as Kes the Band delivered a groundbreaking, sold-out two-night performance during the Unity Jazz Festival on January 8-9. This historic engagement marked the first time soca music headlined the festival’s prestigious program.

    Against the dazzling panoramic backdrop of Columbus Circle in Manhattan, the Trinidadian band transformed the Frederick P. Rose Hall and Appel Room into a vibrant celebration of Caribbean musical heritage. Frontman Kees Dieffenthaller described the experience as “opening an entire new book of possibilities” for the band’s artistic expression and their mission to spread musical love globally.

    The performances featured intimate, reimagined interpretations of Kes the Band’s celebrated catalog, blending soca, calypso, soul, rock, and jazz elements. This innovative approach bridged traditional Caribbean musical expression with jazz traditions, simultaneously honoring ancestral foundations while expanding contemporary sound boundaries.

    Notable musical moments included creative interpolations of hits like “Hello,” “Fallin,” and “Savannah Grass” alongside homages to Caribbean legends Lord Invader and The Mighty Sparrow. The collaboration with acclaimed Trinidadian jazz trumpeter Etienne Charles underscored the deep cultural connections between jazz and Caribbean music, adding magical depth and nuance to the festival’s celebration of heritage.

    The event also featured emerging talents including young US saxophonists Abdias Armenteros and Chris Lewis from the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, highlighting the organization’s commitment to musical mentorship across generations.

    This landmark achievement comes amid Kes the Band’s growing international momentum, following the global success of their hit single “Rum and Coca Cola” with Tano, which recently charted on Apple Music’s Top 100 in over 20 countries. The performances demonstrated the band’s ability to command world-class stages while maintaining their authentic Caribbean identity.

  • Agostini opens hybrid Superpharm/Presto in South Park

    Agostini opens hybrid Superpharm/Presto in South Park

    Agostini Ltd, the parent company of both SuperPharm and Presto, has unveiled a groundbreaking retail concept with the inauguration of its 11th SuperPharm branch at South Park on January 15. This innovative establishment represents Trinidad’s first hybrid store merging pharmaceutical services with fresh food retail under one roof.

    The grand opening ceremony featured distinguished attendees including San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris, Presto’s Business Development Director Jean-Luc Moutte, Store Manager Jolene Wallace, Senior Pharmacist Mathew Ragoonanan, SuperPharm CEO Glenn Maharaj, and event host Michelle Perryman.

    CEO Glenn Maharaj characterized the SuperPharm-Presto Hybrid Experience as a strategically designed ‘store within a store’ concept that seamlessly integrates pharmacy services, convenience shopping, and fresh food offerings. “This innovative format reflects our conviction that wellness encompasses medication, professional advice, nutrition, life balance, and convenience—all supported by advanced technology, robust systems, and genuine human care,” Maharaj stated.

    The executive emphasized that Presto’s emphasis on quick, accessible, fresh local produce perfectly complements SuperPharm’s healthcare mission. This hybrid model positions the company for future growth while maintaining adaptability to evolving consumer needs without compromising established trust and quality standards.

    Celebrating over two decades of operation since its 2005 founding, SuperPharm has consistently prioritized healthcare accessibility, affordability, and convenience. Maharaj recalled the company’s pioneering approach: “From our inception, we implemented extended hours and drive-thru services as deliberate commitments to convenience—not as afterthoughts. We designed our services for shift workers, families, seniors, and anyone requiring prompt, safe, and efficient healthcare solutions.”

    The company maintains its dedication to affordability through initiatives like Seniors Day, offering 10% discounts to customers over 60, and the My Day Super Cards program providing similar discounts every Friday for individuals managing chronic conditions. While embracing technological advancements including e-commerce platforms and sophisticated operating systems, Maharaj affirmed that the company’s fundamental standards of excellence remain unchanged throughout its evolution.

  • President cautions THA: With great power comes responsibility

    President cautions THA: With great power comes responsibility

    In an unprecedented electoral outcome, the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) has achieved a complete sweep of all 15 seats in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), marking a historic moment in the island’s political landscape. The inauguration ceremony held on January 15 in Scarborough solidified this political dominance with Farley Chavez Augustine officially sworn in as Chief Secretary.

    This electoral victory represents only the second instance in Tobago’s history of a single-party clean sweep, but notably the first occurrence since the expansion to 15 electoral districts. The swearing-in ceremony witnessed Dr. Faith Brebnor maintaining her position as Deputy Chief Secretary, while Niall George and Niketa George assumed roles as presiding officer and deputy presiding officer respectively.

    President Christine Kangaloo presided over the ceremonial proceedings, characterizing the electoral outcome as “resounding and unambiguous.” In her address, she emphasized the extraordinary nature of a government operating without parliamentary opposition, noting the potential challenges of such an arrangement. “A mandate that results in no opposing voice in the assembly is a mandate that has to be exercised with great care, and with great maturity,” President Kangaloo cautioned.

    The President expressed concern about the erosion of traditional political guardrails in contemporary governance, warning against the disappearance of “enduring principles and shared standards that guide and inspire higher standards of human conduct.” She specifically referenced reported breaches of ethical political conduct during the campaign period, including inappropriate language, race-baiting, and vandalism of political materials.

    Despite these concerns, President Kangaloo expressed confidence in Tobagonian civil society organizations to maintain accountability mechanisms in the absence of formal opposition. She highlighted the distinctive character of Tobagonian society, renowned for “temperance and decorum; their moderation and self-discipline; their circumspection and propriety.”

    Newly appointed Presiding Officer Niall George acknowledged the assembly’s responsibility to function as “servant leaders” for the Tobagonian populace. He emphasized the assembly’s commitment to autonomy for Tobago while promising collaborative governance with Trinidad’s central government. “This assembly pledges to provide all members with essential parliamentary advice, support and assistance, despite party affiliations,” George stated, underscoring the commitment to impartial administration.

    The Minority Leader position remains officially vacant following the election, creating a unique parliamentary dynamic that will test the assembly’s governance frameworks in the coming term.

  • Judge rules in favour of San Carlos Estate owner

    Judge rules in favour of San Carlos Estate owner

    In a landmark property rights decision, High Court Justice Margaret Mohammed has ruled in favor of Arima landowner Trevor Kerry in his protracted legal battle against the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) regarding mineral extraction rights on disputed lands within the San Carlos Estate.

    The court determined that Kerry holds legitimate entitlement to conduct quarrying operations for stone, sand, gravel, clay, earth, and similar minerals across two designated lots (D and G) at the estate. This judicial clarification concludes years of contentious negotiations and correspondence between the parties concerning electrical infrastructure installation and maintenance on the properties.

    Legal representatives Nirad Samnadda-Ramrekersingh and Richard Freeman successfully argued that Kerry’s ownership, established through a chain of deeds originating in 1959, conferred comprehensive mineral extraction privileges. They demonstrated that T&TEC had erroneously interpreted the definition of ‘mines and minerals’ within the historical documentation, incorrectly including materials specifically excluded from the original contractual language.

    T&TEC’s defense team, led by Keith Scotland, SC, and Asha Watkins-Monsterin, maintained that Kerry’s claim lacked legal foundation and attempted to revisit matters settled in previous 2020 litigation involving adjacent San Carlos parcels. However, Justice Mohammed’s meticulous examination of historical conveyances and prior judicial determinations revealed critical distinctions.

    The court established that a pivotal 1959 deed between Stollmeyer Ltd and Frank Kerry granted only an undivided half-share of mineral rights specifically limited to petroleum, bituminous, and hydrocarbon substances. Crucially, common quarry materials including stone, sand, clay, and gravel were expressly excluded from this conveyance and remained within the claimant’s uncontested ownership rights.

    Furthermore, the judgment clarified that through subsequent acquisitions, Kerry obtained Stollmeyer Ltd’s retained mineral half-share plus the explicit right to ‘dig and get’ mineral materials from the lands. This entitlement extends beyond his owned parcels to other estate areas, contingent upon appropriate compensation to other beneficiaries for extraction activities conducted on their respective parcels, as stipulated in the original 1959 agreement.

  • Rudder starts Kaiso Conversations with Bocas Lit Fest

    Rudder starts Kaiso Conversations with Bocas Lit Fest

    Amidst the vibrant energy of the 2026 Carnival season, the Bocas Lit Fest is launching an innovative series titled ‘Kaiso Conversations’ dedicated to exploring the literary artistry of calypso songwriting. The inaugural event will feature an intimate dialogue with Trinidadian musical icon David Rudder on January 20th.

    The celebrated calypsonian will join music critic Nigel A Campbell on stage at Kafe Blue in Port of Spain for a deep examination of calypso’s lyrical traditions, creative influences, and literary significance. This special engagement serves a dual purpose as a fundraiser supporting the literary festival’s year-round initiatives promoting writers and readers across Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region.

    Festival director Nicholas Laughlin emphasized the natural alignment between calypso and literary arts: ‘We’ve consistently maintained that Bocas revolves around words, stories, and ideas across all formats. Trinidad’s premier calypsonians have historically functioned as cultural critics, political commentators, and philosophical voices. Their lyrics constitute enduring components of our literary heritage.’

    Conceptualized through a partnership between Campbell and the Bocas Lit Fest, the series draws inspiration from Professor Gordon Rohlehr’s critical work challenging Derek Walcott’s skeptical view of calypso as poetry. Campbell notes the significant recognition calypso has received from Caribbean literary giants, including Nobel laureates who have acknowledged the form’s artistic merit.

    Tickets for this 6:30 PM event are priced at $100, with proceeds directly supporting the NGO’s educational programs. Attendees can secure seats through online platforms or at the venue box office, with doors opening at 5:30 PM.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Friday January 16th 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Friday January 16th 2026

    The multi-billion dollar dietary supplement industry continues to operate in a regulatory gray zone, leaving consumers to navigate a marketplace with limited oversight and substantial health risks. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs that undergo rigorous FDA testing before reaching consumers, supplements enter the market with minimal pre-approval requirements, creating potential dangers that often only surface after products have caused harm.

    The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 established the current regulatory framework that treats supplements more like food than drugs. This legislation placed the burden of proving safety primarily on the FDA after products are already available to consumers, rather than requiring manufacturers to demonstrate efficacy and safety beforehand. The result is a marketplace where new products can be introduced with little more than notification to regulators.

    Recent analyses reveal alarming trends: contaminated products, undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients, and exaggerated health claims proliferate across the industry. Weight loss supplements, sexual enhancement products, and pre-workout formulas consistently rank among the most problematic categories. Medical professionals report increasing cases of liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and dangerous interactions with prescription medications linked to supplement use.

    Consumer protection advocates are calling for significant reforms to the regulatory system, including mandatory third-party testing, stricter manufacturing standards, and increased authority for the FDA to remove dangerous products promptly. Meanwhile, healthcare providers recommend that consumers consult medical professionals before using supplements, research products through independent sources, and remain skeptical of miraculous health claims.

  • LIVE: National Security Press Conference 15th January 2026

    LIVE: National Security Press Conference 15th January 2026

    China’s National Space Administration (CNSA) has successfully concluded its groundbreaking Chang’e-6 lunar mission, marking a historic milestone in space exploration. The spacecraft’s return capsule touched down precisely in Inner Mongolia’s Siziwang Banner landing zone at approximately 2:07 p.m. local time on Tuesday, carrying the first-ever geological samples collected from the moon’s far side.

    The 53-day mission demonstrated exceptional technological prowess as the spacecraft navigated the complexities of operating on the lunar hemisphere that permanently faces away from Earth. The mission architecture required a relay satellite for communications and involved sophisticated autonomous operations in the challenging terrain of the South Pole-Aitken Basin, one of the solar system’s largest and oldest impact craters.

    Scientific community worldwide anticipates unprecedented insights from these pristine samples, which are expected to reveal new understanding about lunar formation, the early solar system’s evolution, and planetary differentiation processes. The mission’s success significantly advances China’s lunar exploration capabilities and establishes new benchmarks for sample-return technology.

    International space agencies have extended congratulations, recognizing the mission’s contribution to global planetary science. The carefully preserved samples will undergo initial processing at specialized facilities before being distributed to research institutions for comprehensive analysis, potentially unlocking mysteries that have perplexed astronomers for decades.