Carib Scope

博客

  • Redemption with Prisons FC – YTC inmate creates history by playing pro football

    Redemption with Prisons FC – YTC inmate creates history by playing pro football

    Behind the fortified gates of Trinidad and Tobago’s Youth Transformation and Rehabilitation Centre (YTC) in Arouca, 25-year-old Ainsley Grazette is redefining redemption through football. Despite being detained for seven years and awaiting trial for murder, Grazette made history on October 25 by becoming the first YTC resident to compete professionally in the TT Premier Football League tier one, scoring a decisive goal for Prisons FC in his debut match.

    Grazette’s journey began in Carenage, where sports were embedded in his family legacy. His mother was an accomplished footballer, and relatives excelled in national tennis. However, his path was derailed by community gang violence, leading to his incarceration. “When I got incarcerated, I sat down and studied my situation,” Grazette recalled. “The same friends I considered… put me through this, but they weren’t there.”

    His transformation accelerated through mentorship from Sean Reyes, who oversees YTC’s gym program. Starting as a groundskeeper, Grazette progressed to ball boy before his technical prowess caught coaches’ attention. His integration into prison football teams culminated in the historic professional debut where he scored in the ninth minute, securing a 3-2 victory against Caledonia AIA.

    The emotional impact was profound. “Seeing young fellas I grew with calling my number—it brought tears to my eyes,” Grazette shared. His success has inspired younger detainees, with children as young as 12 now seeking football opportunities.

    Reyes emphasized YTC’s rehabilitative philosophy: “You can’t want to rehabilitate somebody and have them locked down 24/7. That builds hatred.” The facility employs sports, education, and cultural programs to redirect energies positively. Despite external skepticism about privileges for those charged with serious crimes, Reyes maintains that holistic engagement is essential for meaningful rehabilitation.

    Prisons FC coach Dexter Cyrus praised Grazette’s discipline and seamless team integration. The squad now eyes a top-three finish for continental qualification. Grazette remains committed: “Whatever the coach asks, I’m doing it. This year is our year.”

    His message to incarcerated youth is unequivocal: “The sky is the limit no matter where you are. Don’t ever be ashamed to be a good person.”

  • Kintyre and Miracle talk up growth opportunities after ‘Bold’ partnership

    Kintyre and Miracle talk up growth opportunities after ‘Bold’ partnership

    In a strategic move set to reshape Jamaica’s consumer goods landscape, Kintyre Holdings (JA) Limited and Miracle Corporation have officially launched a powerful joint venture named BOLD (Brands of Loyalty Dividends). This new entity, majority-controlled by Kintyre with a 70% ownership stake, consolidates an extensive portfolio of established brands spanning automotive lubricants, car care products, food-service disposables, and daily essential items.

    Tyrone Wilson, President and CEO of Kintyre Holdings, characterized the partnership as a transformative initiative that will enhance consumer access to premium, reliable brands while creating substantial growth opportunities within the local market. “This bold initiative positions us as a major player in manufacturing, distribution, and consumer goods,” Wilson stated in a video announcement. “We are tremendously excited about Kintyre’s trajectory—which is unequivocally toward the top.”

    Richard Anthony Lee, CEO of Miracle Corporation, emphasized the deliberate nature of the alliance, highlighting his company’s evolution since 1973 across distribution, automotive, food service, and tourism sectors. “Partnering with Kintyre was a strategic decision rooted in long-term value creation,” Lee remarked.

    The venture is anticipated to generate immediate revenue and profitability, leveraging products already entrenched in the Jamaican market. Proceeds from BOLD will contribute to a newly established dividend program, details of which Kintyre plans to disclose in the near future.

  • Venezuela’s Maduro arrives in US after abduction

    Venezuela’s Maduro arrives in US after abduction

    In an unprecedented military operation, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was apprehended by United States forces in Caracas and transported to American soil on Saturday evening. The leftist leader arrived under heavy FBI escort at a National Guard facility in Newburgh, New York, marking a dramatic escalation in the ongoing political conflict between the two nations.

    Eyewitnesses reported observing Maduro surrounded by federal agents as he disembarked from a US government aircraft. The Venezuelan president was subsequently escorted across the tarmac under tight security, with plans underway for his transfer via helicopter to New York City where he faces serious narcotics trafficking indictments.

    The capture operation involved a targeted bombing raid in the Venezuelan capital that successfully extracted both Maduro and his wife from the country. This military action represents one of the most significant interventions in recent Western Hemisphere relations.

    Concurrent with the operation, US President Donald Trump addressed journalists from his Florida residence, announcing plans for temporary American administration of Venezuela. The administration intends to manage the country’s transition while accessing its substantial petroleum reserves during this interim period.

    “Our administration will oversee national operations until we can facilitate a secure, appropriate, and lawful transition of power,” Trump stated, underscoring the temporary nature of the extraordinary measure. This development signals a new chapter in the complex diplomatic relationship between the United States and Venezuela, with potential ramifications for regional stability and international law.

  • Bertrand, Walcott stay winning, sweep NAAA awards

    Bertrand, Walcott stay winning, sweep NAAA awards

    Tacarigua witnessed a celebration of track and field prowess on January 3 as the National Association of Athletics Administration (NAAATT) honored Trinidad and Tobago’s top performers at its annual awards ceremony. The event, held at the National Racquet Centre, crowned javelin specialist Keshorn Walcott and sprint sensation Leah Bertrand as Senior Male and Female Athletes of the Year respectively.

    This recognition comes merely days after both athletes secured the highest honors at the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee’s 31st awards ceremony on December 29, completing a remarkable double achievement. Walcott’s golden moment arrived at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Japan, where he launched his javelin to a championship-winning 88.16 meters. Bertrand simultaneously achieved personal milestones, setting new benchmarks of 10.92 seconds in the 100 meters and 22.54 seconds in the 200 meters.

    The awards ceremony comprehensively recognized excellence across disciplines and age groups. Jereem Richards, the world championship silver medalist in the 400 meters, received the Most Outstanding Male Track Athlete award, while Tyra Gittens-Spotsville claimed the female field equivalent.

    Youth athletics received prominent recognition with Christopher Sammy earning Youth Male Athlete of the Year for his double-gold performance in the 1,500m and 3,000m at the Carifta Games. Oshea Cummings mirrored this achievement by securing the female youth honor following her gold and bronze medals in middle-distance events.

    The junior categories saw defending champion Janae De Gannes retain her Junior Female Athlete of the Year title, with Jaden Marchan taking the male equivalent. Both athletes medaled at the Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay.

    Specialized discipline awards went to Tafari Waldron and Alexia John (Cross Country Athletes of the Year), Nicholas Romany and Aniqah Bailey (Road Running Athletes of the Year), and the multi-talented Vincent twins—Tenique and Tyrique—who dominated the combined events categories.

    Club accolades were claimed by RSS Phoenix (Juvenile and Junior Club of the Year) and Abilene Wildcats (Senior Club of the Year), while Daeshaun Cole received the prestigious President’s Rising Star award.

    The ceremony also paid tribute to long-serving contributors, including posthumous recognition for coaches Eldwin Noel and Verna Edwards, highlighting the community’s enduring commitment to athletic development.

  • PM: TT relations with Venezuela will be strengthened

    PM: TT relations with Venezuela will be strengthened

    Caribbean nations are exhibiting starkly divergent responses to the unprecedented US military intervention in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago expressed optimism about the development, characterizing it as a transition from “oppression and dictatorship” toward democracy. In her official statement, she anticipated strengthened bilateral relations with Venezuela under US-led governance.

    The military operation, confirmed by US President Donald Trump on January 3rd, involved strikes on Caracas and the extraction of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Trump announced that the United States would assume administrative control of Venezuela following these actions.

    In contrast, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles condemned the intervention as “deeply troubling,” emphasizing Trinidad and Tobago’s traditional commitment to non-interference principles and peaceful dispute resolution. Beckles criticized the Prime Minister for failing to address the safety of Trinidadian embassy staff in Caracas during initial statements.

    Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Barry Padarath subsequently confirmed that all Trinidad and Tobago personnel at the Caracas embassy remained safe and were continuing normal operations despite the military action.

    The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) convened an emergency session to address the crisis, with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley acknowledging the complexity of balancing relationships with both Venezuela and the United States. CARICOM stated it would continue monitoring the situation before taking a collective position, recognizing the potential implications for regional stability.

    Historian Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh contextualized the intervention within historical US foreign policy patterns, noting similarities to operations in Iraq and Libya. He warned of potential refugee crises affecting Trinidad and Tobago and criticized Caribbean dependence on external powers for regional security matters, calling for stronger regional governance mechanisms.

  • PM: Venezuela’s people free at last

    PM: Venezuela’s people free at last

    In a dramatic predawn operation on January 3, 2026, US special forces successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores from a heavily fortified compound in Caracas. The operation, reportedly involving the elite Delta Force unit, marks an unprecedented military intervention in South American politics.

    Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar immediately celebrated the capture as a “moment of liberation” for the Venezuelan people. In an official statement on social media platform X, she expressed hope that Venezuela would now “transition away from years of oppression and dictatorship toward democracy, justice, and prosperity.”

    The PM’s endorsement came shortly after former US President Donald Trump detailed the operation in a press conference, announcing that the United States would assume control of Venezuela’s governance temporarily. Trump revealed plans for American oil companies to rehabilitate Venezuela’s energy infrastructure while casting doubt on whether exiled opposition leader María Corina Machado or current Vice President Delcy Rodríguez would participate in any interim government.

    The geopolitical shift has significant implications for Trinidad and Tobago’s energy interests. Following bilateral discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trinidad secured a six-month OFAC license for the cross-border Dragon gas project—a reversal from Persad-Bissessar’s earlier declaration that the deal was “dead” after taking office.

    Despite maintaining formal neutrality, the Trinidadian government has supported broader US military activities in the region, including radar system installations in Tobago and granting indefinite transit rights for US military flights. This stance has created divergence with other CARICOM members concerned about regional militarization.

  • Hundreds of flights cancelled across the Caribbean amid US attack on Venezuela

    Hundreds of flights cancelled across the Caribbean amid US attack on Venezuela

    NEW YORK, United States — A significant aviation crisis is unfolding across the Caribbean region, with travel disruptions projected to persist for several days. This follows a decisive US military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, prompting immediate airspace closures and mass flight cancellations by major US carriers.

    Aviation tracking data from FlightRadar24.com, as reported by ABC7 New York, revealed a complete absence of commercial air traffic over Venezuelan airspace on Saturday. The disruption originated from an official Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directive advising all commercial airlines to avoid a substantial portion of Caribbean airspace. The agency cited an ongoing ‘potentially hazardous situation’ and specifically identified ‘safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing military activity’ as the primary reason for the unprecedented closure.

    The cascading effects have severely impacted connectivity to numerous island nations in proximity to Venezuela. Key destinations such as Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Aruba are experiencing widespread cancellations. In response to the chaos, airlines have proactively implemented flexible travel policies, universally waiving change fees for passengers needing to reschedule their itineraries throughout the weekend and into the coming week.

    Puerto Rico’s primary international airport faced specific temporary airspace restrictions, compounding the logistical challenges. Among the carriers, JetBlue announced the most significant cuts, canceling 215 flights within its extensive Caribbean network, though it noted services to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic continued unimpeded.

    Other major airlines, including United and Southwest, executed substantial schedule adjustments. Southwest Airlines cancelled all flights to Aruba on Saturday and suspended all operations to Puerto Rico until late afternoon, while maintaining its schedule to the Dominican Republic. American Airlines published a comprehensive waiver policy covering travel to and from approximately twenty island destinations, such as Anguilla, Antigua, Curaçao, and Saint Lucia. Similarly, Delta Air Lines issued a travel waiver for customers traveling through 13 affected airports, with provisions valid through Tuesday.

  • Starmer says UK will ‘shed no tears’ over US seizing Maduro

    Starmer says UK will ‘shed no tears’ over US seizing Maduro

    LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared the United Kingdom’s firm alignment with United States policy toward Venezuela, stating that Britain “sheds no tears” over the downfall of Nicolás Maduro’s administration. The announcement came during a press briefing on Saturday where Starmer outlined his government’s position on the evolving political situation in the South American nation.

    Starmer confirmed that high-level discussions between UK and US counterparts regarding Venezuela’s political future are scheduled to occur in the coming days. These diplomatic exchanges will focus on coordinating international efforts to ensure a stable transition of power in Caracas.

    “The United Kingdom has consistently advocated for democratic transition in Venezuela,” Starmer stated. “We have never recognized Maduro as the legitimate president and therefore view the conclusion of his regime without regret.”

    Emphasizing Britain’s commitment to international legal frameworks, the Prime Minister added: “This morning I reaffirmed my government’s dedication to upholding international law. Our objective remains a secure and peaceful transfer of power to a legitimate administration that truly represents the will of the Venezuelan people.”

    The British position signals a continuation of the previous UK government’s stance toward Venezuela, maintaining pressure on the Maduro government while supporting opposition movements seeking democratic reform. This development occurs amid increasing international scrutiny of Venezuela’s political trajectory and human rights record.

  • Retired soldier dedicated to a life of service

    Retired soldier dedicated to a life of service

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Ninety-two-year-old Peter Xavier Williams, affectionately known as “Poppy Man,” stands as a living monument to Jamaica’s military history and unwavering national service. His remarkable journey, which began in 1933 in St. Mary, spans nearly a century of profound social transformation and personal dedication.

    Williams’ early life was marked by the hardships of World War II, where he experienced food rationing, blackouts, and the constant fear of aerial attacks after losing his father at age seven. At 13, he came under the guardianship of national hero Sir Alexander Bustamante, whose influence would shape his future. Williams still preserves letters and photographs from this formative period, including images he captured at Bustamante’s funeral.

    His military fascination ignited during public parades on Queen Victoria’s birthday, where he observed boy scouts and cadets marching in precision. “I saw these boys dressed in sharp uniforms and began emulating their march,” Williams recalled. This childhood admiration led to his enlistment in the Jamaica Local Force in 1952 under British command, where he endured rigorous training he describes as “between life and death.”

    Williams’ distinguished 28-year career witnessed Jamaica’s transition from federation to independence and the establishment of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). His versatile service included roles as medical orderly, drummer, bugler, and postmaster handling sensitive correspondence across the British Caribbean. He notably trained the JDF’s first female soldiers in communications in 1965 and served as chief photographer, with his extensive documentation now archived at the National Library.

    During the state of emergency, Williams managed correspondence for detained political figures at Up Park Camp, emphasizing the distinction between detention and imprisonment. After retiring from the JDF in 1976, he seamlessly transitioned to civilian life as security manager for the Telephone Company of Jamaica.

    His exceptional service earned numerous honors, including the Independence Medal (1962), the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service (2008), and features in the JDF’s 60th-anniversary publication. Today, as the JDF’s oldest living soldier, Williams appoints himself its “ambassador” and remains active as chairman of the Jamaica Legion’s Northeast District.

    Remarkably, Williams retains permission to wear his original 1952 uniform and continues to deliver exhortations at Remembrance Day ceremonies nationwide. He attributes his longevity to discipline and faith, recalling a transformative moment during a violent storm near Palisadoes when he dedicated his life to higher power.

    Despite his age, Williams maintains independence without walking aids, carrying only an umbrella for practicality. His philosophy encapsulates his approach to life: “Yesterday is dead, tomorrow does not exist. Today is here, use it.” Peter Xavier Williams endures not merely as a historical figure but as an active embodiment of service, sacrifice, and national pride.

  • Joshua Johnson rules at Promenade Chess Club’s Grand Tour

    Joshua Johnson rules at Promenade Chess Club’s Grand Tour

    Fide Master Joshua Johnson emerged triumphant at the Promenade Chess Club’s Blitz Grand Tour, held at Valpark Plaza in Valsayn on December 28, 2025. The accomplished chess prodigy, who previously secured a silver medal at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games, demonstrated exceptional strategic prowess to claim the open category championship against a competitive field of 25 participants.

    Johnson dominated the tournament with an impressive 8.5 points, securing the $1,200 top prize ahead of runners-up Reaz Ali (7 points, $700 prize) and Enen-Sa-Tefa Ab Khafra (6.5 points, $500 prize). The event showcased multiple competitive categories, with Sandhya Ramsaroop earning recognition as the best female player and receiving a $400 award.

    Youth categories produced equally compelling results. Ilyas Hosein, who recently placed third in the Under-8 Absolute category at the CAC Youth Chess Festival, claimed victory in the under-8 division. The under-12 category was won by Zidan Khan, who outperformed competitors Yuri Hosein and Ejaz Maharaj. The juniors (under-20) category concluded with an extraordinary four-way tie between Caleb Campo, Nahum Garcia, Zachary Murray, and Andre Rupert, all finishing with five points after nine rounds of intense competition.

    The tournament received support from several sponsors including Basic Transport, KFC, Galactica, Marios, Radica Trading, Valpark Plaza, and TYCO Farms. The Promenade Chess Club announced plans to maintain this competitive momentum throughout 2026 with additional events, including a major tournament scheduled at the Brian Lara Promenade in Port of Spain.