Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Claxton Bay takes $6.4m Lotto jackpot

    Claxton Bay takes $6.4m Lotto jackpot

    A transformative fortune has descended upon a fortunate Trinidadian citizen who secured the multimillion-dollar LottoPlus jackpot on New Year’s Eve. The life-changing winning ticket was procured from the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) outlet situated at St Margaret’s Junction in Claxton Bay on December 31st.

    The National Lotteries Control Board officially confirmed the monumental win through a press communication issued on January 1st, 2026. The announcement revealed that the staggering prize amount totaled $6,444,024.06, instantly catapulting the anonymous winner into millionaire status at the dawn of the new year.

    The combination that unlocked this substantial fortune consisted of the primary numbers 16, 20, 29, 31, and 34, complemented by the crucial Powerball number 7. This numerical sequence proved to be the key to financial transformation for the lucky ticket holder.

    Meanwhile, the NLCB has announced the continuation of its lucrative Lotto Plus offerings with a guaranteed $2 million jackpot scheduled for drawing on December 3rd at 8:30 PM. This ongoing opportunity ensures that the prospect of instant wealth remains accessible to lottery participants across Trinidad and Tobago.

    The latest winner joins an exclusive group of jackpot recipients who have experienced sudden wealth through the national lottery system, highlighting the life-altering potential that these games represent for ordinary citizens.

  • Orange Field, Wallerfield Utd take East West Corridor form into 2026

    Orange Field, Wallerfield Utd take East West Corridor form into 2026

    The inaugural East-West Corridor Football League prepares to resume action on January 3 with several clubs aiming to preserve their flawless records. Legacy FC, Orange Field Firehouse, Tinto Academy, Trippy FC, and Wallerfield United all enter the new year with perfect winning streaks intact across the league’s various divisions.

    In the Central division, Orange Field and Tinto currently occupy the top two positions, while Wallerfield United has dominated the East division with consecutive victories—including a decisive 3-0 triumph against FC Porto Arima during the league’s December 6 opening night.

    The Southern division sees Legacy and Trippy FC leading the standings, both having secured two victories each. Trippy currently tops the six-team table with an impressive +7 goal differential following their match-day two win against South Stars.

    The Tobago division presents a tightly contested race with Blue Nation and Kings United tied at the summit with four points each. Their opening match ended in a 2-2 draw, with both teams securing victories in their subsequent fixtures.

    Most competitive appears to be the 11-team North division, where four clubs—Sheriff Angels Belmont, Simeon Road FC, Trendsetter Hawks, and United Brotherhood—are deadlocked at four points each. The division witnessed one of the most lopsided results thus far when Cruzeiro FC delivered a spectacular 6-0 victory against Tinto’s northern outfit.

    The league represents the brainchild of former national team captain David Nakhid, now serving as parliamentary secretary at the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, operating through his David Nakhid Academy (DNA).

  • Chambers: Break business barriers in 2026

    Chambers: Break business barriers in 2026

    PORT OF SPAIN – Trinidad and Tobago’s business community concludes a tumultuous 2025 marked by three prime ministers, multiple states of emergency, and global economic shifts, now facing a new suite of fiscal measures effective January 1, 2026. The government has implemented a series of revenue-generating initiatives including bank asset levies, rental income surcharges, and increased energy costs for commercial users, alongside heightened traffic fines for public compliance.

    Confederation of Regional Business Chambers President Vivek Charran characterized these measures as a ‘necessary evil’ given the government’s precarious fiscal position. In an exclusive interview, Charran revealed that upon taking office in May, the administration discovered a $4.42 billion budgetary shortfall, forcing month-to-month operational funding.

    The new tax structure targets specifically thriving sectors including property development and food and beverage industries. Commercial banks and insurance companies now face a 0.25% asset levy expected to generate $575 million annually. Landlords must register with revenue authorities, facing 2.5-3.5% surcharges on rental income that should yield at least $70 million. Industrial electricity consumers will pay an additional $0.05 per kWh, contributing approximately $269 million to state coffers.

    Despite these burdens, business leaders express willingness to support taxation if accompanied by improved government services and reduced bureaucratic obstacles. Charran emphasized that diversification efforts remain hampered by inefficient licensing processes that can take years for basic permits like farming certifications.

    The private sector maintains cautious optimism according to recent chamber surveys. Over half of executives reported worsened financial performance in recent months yet remain confident about medium-term investment prospects. Employment expectations show cautious expansion intentions despite persistent structural challenges.

    Opposition figures warn the government’s revenue projections may be overly optimistic, with former Finance Minister Colm Imbert predicting a potential $7-10 billion deficit rather than the official $3.8 billion estimate, citing inaccurate oil price assumptions and unbudgeted expenditures including public sector wage increases.

    Business leaders now await tangible improvements in public service efficiency following recent public sector compensation increases, hoping 2026 will bring both fiscal stability and operational reforms to support economic diversification.

  • Marabella man murdered on Old Year’s night

    Marabella man murdered on Old Year’s night

    In a tragic conclusion to 2025’s violent crime statistics, Dexter Griffith, a 53-year-old laborer from Isaac Avenue, Plaisance Park, became what authorities believe to be the year’s final homicide victim during a New Year’s Eve ambush in Marabella.

    The fatal incident occurred approximately at 9 pm on December 31st, while Griffith was socializing with family members at the intersection of Charles Street and George Street. According to police reports, an unidentified vehicle abruptly stopped near the gathering, from which an armed assailant emerged.

    Eyewitness accounts indicate that Griffith’s common-law wife, daughter, and another male companion immediately fled through a nearby pathway upon recognizing the imminent threat. During their escape, multiple gunshots echoed through the neighborhood.

    Law enforcement personnel from the Marabella Police Station responded promptly to emergency calls. Upon arrival, officers discovered Griffith’s lifeless body at the scene. Official medical confirmation was provided by a District Medical Officer who subsequently pronounced death.

    Forensic experts from the Crime Scene Investigation Unit conducted a thorough examination, recovering substantial ballistic evidence including seven discharged 9mm cartridge casings and one live round of the same caliber. The investigation remains ongoing with no established motive for the targeted killing at this preliminary stage.

    The homicide adds to Trinidad and Tobago’s ongoing challenges with violent crime, particularly highlighting the persistent issue of firearm-related violence in community settings. Local authorities continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward with any information that might assist in identifying the perpetrators.

  • Neglect followed by neglect

    Neglect followed by neglect

    Health Minister Lackram Bodoe has committed to re-examining the protracted legal case involving eight-year-old Davyn Ragoo and his family, who have been engaged in prolonged litigation to secure essential medical support. This development follows a front-page news report on December 28 that highlighted the family’s struggle against the state’s legal opposition.

    Davyn belongs to a cohort of children born with microcephaly linked to the 2017 Zika virus outbreak. His mother, Kavita Ramkissoon-Ragoo, was compelled to initiate legal proceedings to draw governmental attention to her son’s medical requirements. Although Justice Joan Charles delivered a landmark ruling condemning the state’s failure to provide adequate medical treatment and support, the administration initially announced intentions to appeal the verdict—a threat that ultimately remained unexecuted.

    For years, the case remained in legal limbo, compounding the family’s distress as Davyn grew older without resolved support mechanisms. While Minister Bodoe’s review team has not yet established a timeline or determined specific outcomes, his engagement acknowledges two critical systemic deficiencies.

    Firstly, the case underscores severe gaps in healthcare services for patients with special needs, particularly those affected by Zika and its complications. Addressing these shortcomings would signal a commitment to long-term healthcare reform. Secondly, the situation reveals a misalignment between the litigation strategies of the Attorney General’s office and the public service obligations of government ministries. The pattern of challenging vulnerable citizens in court raises fundamental questions about the state’s fulfillment of its social contract responsibilities.

    The minister’s intervention offers cautious optimism for numerous families facing similar battles, emphasizing that Ramkissoon-Ragoo’s struggle is neither isolated nor uncommon within the current healthcare landscape.

  • Cycling year in review: Paul, Wallace light up the track; Teniel conquers road

    Cycling year in review: Paul, Wallace light up the track; Teniel conquers road

    The 2025 cycling season proved exceptionally successful for Trinidad and Tobago, marked by outstanding international achievements, regional supremacy, and promising junior development, despite concluding under the cloud of ongoing litigation between the national federation and several elite athletes.

    Throughout the year, Trinidad and Tobago cyclists demonstrated remarkable prowess across both track and road disciplines, securing medals and achieving breakthrough performances at various international competitions.

    Nicholas Paul emerged as the nation’s track cycling standard-bearer, delivering a spectacular performance at the Pan American Track Cycling Championships in Asunción, Paraguay. The two-time World Championships medalist claimed three gold medals in the men’s sprint, team sprint, and 1K time trial, supplemented by a silver in the keirin. Paul continued his winning streak with sprint gold at California’s Summer Slam event, though he narrowly missed the podium at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Chile. He concluded his season with additional gold and silver medals at the historic Bolivarian Games debut, earning him Male International Cyclist of the Year honors.

    On the road, endurance specialist Teniel Campbell dominated the Caribbean Elite Road Cycling Championships in Belize, securing dual gold in both the individual time trial and road race events. Her Pan American track medals earlier in the season, combined with a respectable 23rd place finish at the UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda, earned her Female International Cyclist of the Year recognition.

    The season’s most remarkable breakthrough came from sprint sensation Makaira Wallace, who skyrocketed from 86th to 23rd in the UCI world rankings. Wallace established a new national record in sprint qualifying at the UCI Track Nations Cup in Turkey, made history as Trinidad and Tobago’s first female sprint qualifier at the World Championships, and set another national record in the 500m time trial. Her triple-bronze performance at the Junior Pan Am Games, coupled with silver and bronze at the Bolivarian Games, earned her both Junior Sportswoman of the Year and People’s Choice awards.

    Endurance prospect Akil Campbell showed promise with strong performances at the Caribbean Road Championships, while junior cyclists including Danell James, Jelani Nedd, and Ryan D’Abreau contributed to team sprint bronze at the Pan Am Games. Jadian Neaves impressed at the Easter International Grand Prix and claimed bronze in the Under-23 road race at the Caribbean Championships.

    Despite these achievements, the season concluded with unresolved legal proceedings between the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation and three cyclists—Njisane Phillip, Makaira Wallace, and Alexi Ramirez—regarding contested selection trials for the upcoming Pan Am Track Championships. The matter remains pending after a December 30 virtual hearing before Justice James.

  • Coastguardsman denied promotion, gets $175,000 in damages

    Coastguardsman denied promotion, gets $175,000 in damages

    In a significant judicial rebuke of military administrative practices, High Court Justice Kevin Ramcharan has delivered a landmark ruling condemning the unlawful treatment of Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard officer Lieutenant (Naval) Chevon Diaz. The January 2nd decision found that flawed performance evaluations and unsubstantiated allegations regarding a missing weapon were improperly utilized to obstruct Diaz’s career advancement.

    The court determined that Diaz was wrongfully denied promotion to acting lieutenant commander despite his 18 years of service, with junior officers being elevated ahead of him in violation of established protocols. Justice Ramcharan’s 50-page judgment exposed critical flaws in the state’s evidence, particularly scrutinizing the affidavit testimony of then-Coast Guard commanding officer Captain Don Polo (now Chief of Defence Staff), which the court described as repeatedly claiming ignorance regarding matters directly within his purview.

    The ruling centered on a 2018 incident involving a missing firearm, which had been used to justify negative performance assessments. The court established that Diaz held no command responsibility for the vessel when the weapon disappeared and that another crew member was actually responsible. With no formal finding of guilt against Diaz, the judge declared that his seniority could not legally be affected by these allegations.

    Justice Ramcharan’s decision mandated that Diaz should have received his promotion to acting lieutenant commander on September 15, 2017—exactly six years after his appointment as lieutenant—with substantive rank advancement following on September 15, 2020. The court additionally ordered reconsideration of Diaz’s eligibility for the Efficiency Medal, requiring assessment based solely on relevant factors rather than the improperly cited weapons incident.

    The state was ordered to pay $175,000 in damages—$100,000 as compensatory damages and $75,000 as vindicatory damages—plus 2.5% annual interest from the claim date until judgment. The ruling also included costs and multiple declaratory orders rectifying Diaz’s promotion timeline and service record.

  • Empowering the next generation: 60 cricketers shine at Nicky P Batting Academy

    Empowering the next generation: 60 cricketers shine at Nicky P Batting Academy

    Cricket superstar Nicholas Pooran is investing in the future of West Indies cricket through his burgeoning developmental academy. The third installment of the bmobile Nicky P Batting Academy concluded successfully at Kumar Rampat Cricket Academy in Point Lisas, attracting 60 promising young athletes from across Trinidad and Tobago.

    The initiative, launched in 2023 with 50 participants, has demonstrated consistent growth and expanded its reach to include young female cricketers for the first time. Eight girls joined this year’s program, including emerging talent Brianna Harricharan from the Windies Under-19 women’s team. The 17-year-old described the experience as transformative, noting that ‘interacting with a legend like Nicky P was truly motivating’ for refining her technical skills and competitive mindset.

    Under Pooran’s leadership and the coaching expertise of Kumar and Vasu Rampat, the two-day intensive camp provided elite batting instruction while emphasizing mental conditioning and technical development. The program’s most exceptional performers—approximately 10-15 participants—will advance to an exclusive six-month scholarship program offering approximately 256 hours of high-performance training.

    The academy attracted additional cricket royalty, with T20 icons Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard making appearances alongside government official Barry Padarath. Bravo praised the initiative’s role in identifying and nurturing future talent, emphasizing its importance for Caribbean cricket development.

    Participants demonstrated their skills in various challenges, with Declan Manswell claiming victory in the power-hitting competition. Other recognitions included Angel Bishop and Levi Burke as Best Teammates, Savad Koon Koon as Most Enthusiastic, and Jannah Mohammed as Most Disciplined.

    Anjanie Ramesar-Soom, bmobile’s corporate social responsibility specialist, highlighted Pooran’s consistent commitment as the program’s distinguishing factor. ‘By creating structured access to elite coaching and mentorship,’ she noted, ‘Pooran is equipping young cricketers with the tools required to progress beyond talent alone.’

    The camp concluded with selected participants receiving authentic Pooran jerseys from international franchises and gifts from sponsors including bmobile, Powerade, and the Unit Trust Corporation.

  • Trinidad and Tobago cricketer Karishma Ramharack: Women’s sport is no joke

    Trinidad and Tobago cricketer Karishma Ramharack: Women’s sport is no joke

    In a powerful address at the 31st annual TT Olympic Committee (TTOC) awards ceremony in Port of Spain, West Indies women’s cricket star Karishma Ramharack delivered a compelling plea for the professionalization of women’s sports across Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean region.

    The accomplished off-spinner, recipient of both the 2024 First Citizens Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year and 2025 TTCB Female International Cricketer of the Year awards, drew from her six years of international experience to challenge prevailing attitudes toward female athletics. Speaking before an audience at Queen’s Hall on December 29, 2025, Ramharack emphasized that women’s sports should not be treated as recreational pastimes but as serious professional pursuits.

    ‘Women’s sports is not a side story. It’s not a phase. It’s not something young girls should try before choosing something practical,’ declared Ramharack, whose cricketing credentials include 90 international appearances across ODI and T20 formats. ‘What I see every day are women who are disciplined, strategic, resilient, and capable of excellence under pressure.’

    The athlete provided concrete examples of professional commitment, describing the rigorous discipline required at elite levels: ‘The early mornings and getting my workouts in regardless of where I am in the world… Cutting sugar completely out of my diet and sticking to it, even when cravings hit… Choosing discipline over comfort, purpose over pleasure, every single day.’

    Addressing parents and guardians directly, Ramharack urged a paradigm shift in how young female athletes are encouraged: ‘When your daughter shows interest in cricket, athletics, football, cycling, or any sport, don’t ask her how long it will last. Ask her how far she wants to go.’ She positioned sports as a viable career path that builds character and creates opportunities, emphasizing that ‘the next Olympian, medallist or the next leader in sport might be sitting in a classroom right now waiting for someone to take her seriously.’

    Ramharack’s advocacy comes amid a successful competitive period for Trinidad and Tobago athletes. Following the men’s and women’s teams claiming silver at the recent Bolivarian Games in Peru, Ramharack and her colleagues are now focused on qualifying for the LA 2028 Olympic Games through increased competition under the TTOC banner.

  • Coastguardsman denied promotion, gets $175,000 in damages

    Coastguardsman denied promotion, gets $175,000 in damages

    In a landmark ruling that exposes significant administrative failures within Trinidad and Tobago’s defense establishment, High Court Justice Kevin Ramcharan has ordered the state to pay $175,000 in damages to Coast Guard Lieutenant (Naval) Chevon Diaz for unlawfully denying his promotion. The December 30 judgment revealed that flawed performance evaluations and unsubstantiated allegations regarding a missing weapon were improperly utilized to hinder Diaz’s career advancement.

    The court determined that Diaz, an 18-year veteran of the TT Coast Guard (TTCG), was unjustly bypassed for promotion to acting lieutenant commander due to irrelevant and unsupported claims that contaminated decisions affecting his seniority, compensation, and professional trajectory. Justice Ramcharan delivered a sharply critical assessment of the evidence presented by the state, particularly questioning the affidavit testimony of then-Coast Guard commanding officer Captain Don Polo (now Chief of Defence Staff), which demonstrated repeated claims of ignorance regarding matters directly within his purview.

    Central to the case was a 2018 incident involving a missing firearm. The court established that Diaz was not in command of the vessel when the weapon disappeared and that a rating outside his crew was responsible. Since no finding of guilt was ever made against Diaz, the judge ruled that his seniority could not legally be impacted and that negative appraisals connected to the incident should not have been used to penalize him.

    Justice Ramcharan expressed particular concern about the quality of the defense’s evidence, noting: ‘On several occasions, Capt Polo averred that he could not admit or deny certain allegations because it was not within his knowledge. Clearly that cannot be true. He must know about matters concerning him. Therefore, the court views Capt Polo’s averments with respect to those issues very skeptically.’

    The court established that Diaz should have been promoted to acting lieutenant commander on September 15, 2017—exactly six years after his appointment as lieutenant—and to the substantive rank on September 15, 2020, aligning with previous High Court precedent regarding promotion timelines.

    Regarding Diaz’s claim for the Efficiency Medal, which requires 12 years of ‘irreproachable’ service, the court determined that while the standard exceeds mere absence of convictions, the weapons incident could not have tarnished Diaz’s reputation since he was not responsible. The judge ordered reconsideration of the medal decision based solely on relevant factors, though stopped short of directly awarding the medal.

    The court awarded Diaz $100,000 in compensatory damages and $75,000 in vindicatory damages, plus 2.5% annual interest from the claim date until judgment, along with legal costs. Attorneys Arden Williams and Mariah Ramrattan successfully represented Diaz in both judicial review and constitutional proceedings against the Coast Guard commanding officer, the Defence Force Commissions Board, and the Attorney General.