Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Dr Kishore Shallow to step aside as Cricket West Indies president in 2028

    Dr Kishore Shallow to step aside as Cricket West Indies president in 2028

    In a significant development for Caribbean cricket governance, Dr. Kishore Shallow has officially declared his intention to maintain his presidency of Cricket West Indies (CWI) while simultaneously serving as Minister of Tourism and Maritime Affairs for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The 41-year-old administrator, who secured his parliamentary seat on November 27 and assumed ministerial duties on December 3, addressed mounting speculation regarding potential resignation from his cricket leadership role.

    Following extensive deliberation, Shallow communicated his definitive decision through radio station Isports95.5FM on December 4, later elaborating on December 7 that he had contemplated the matter thoroughly. “My conviction is that the work ahead requires steady leadership and a commitment to completing the reforms already set in motion,” Shallow stated, confirming he would complete his current three-year term but would not seek reelection.

    The CWI president acknowledged the unusual nature of holding both positions concurrently within the Caribbean context but emphasized precedent within international cricket governance. He revealed that several colleagues at the International Cricket Council (ICC) currently or previously held governmental or parliamentary positions, normalizing such dual responsibilities in sports administration.

    Addressing potential concerns, Shallow detailed that CWI conducted comprehensive due diligence to ensure full compliance with legal and ethical standards. While acknowledging no conflict of interest exists, he confronted the practical question of effective portfolio management. “Having consulted widely with our board and leadership, I can assure you that I can and will,” he asserted.

    Shallow positioned his unique situation as potentially beneficial for regional collaboration, noting: “Governments in our region have been calling for greater engagement with CWI. This very well may be an avenue for collaboration without being invasive.” He further clarified that his presidential role is strategic rather than administrative, emphasizing that operational control rests with CEO Chris Dehring and over 50 full-time staff based in Antigua.

    The unpaid nature of the CWI presidency distinguishes it from traditional employment, allowing Shallow to focus on chairing the board while ministerial duties occupy his professional focus. He stressed that decision-making at CWI remains collective, asserting: “West Indies Cricket has never been a one-man operation, and it should never be.”

    Looking forward, Shallow committed to completing his administration’s reform agenda and implementing the organization’s Strategic Plan through 2027. He issued a call for unity, warning against divisive voices during this critical period for regional cricket.

    Earlier in his address, Shallow congratulated the West Indies team for their fighting draw in the first Test against New Zealand, specifically praising Justin Greaves’ double century and Kemar Roach’s determination. While commending Shai Hope’s pivotal 140-run innings, he expressed overall dissatisfaction with team performance and reiterated the need for financial restructuring within CWI.

  • Airports Authority gives $200k to Children’s Life Fund

    Airports Authority gives $200k to Children’s Life Fund

    In a significant philanthropic gesture, the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (AATT) has contributed $202,900 to the Children’s Life Fund, reinforcing national efforts to support pediatric healthcare. The donation was formally presented to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar during a ceremonial Christmas concert marking the rededication of Couva Children’s Hospital on December 7.

    The Children’s Life Fund, established in 2010, provides critical financial assistance to families unable to afford specialized medical treatment for children battling severe illnesses. During the ceremony, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar expressed profound gratitude for the substantial contribution, emphasizing the fund’s instrumental role in preserving the health and future of the nation’s youth.

    “Since its inception, the Fund has saved hundreds of young lives by facilitating vital medical interventions,” stated a release from the Prime Minister’s Office dated December 8. “It has granted children the precious opportunity to develop, flourish, and experience life to its fullest potential.”

    The event held special significance with the attendance of 48 children whose lives were directly impacted by the fund’s support. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar reiterated her administration’s steadfast dedication to investing in child welfare, identifying youth care as a central pillar of governmental policy.

    “Our responsibility is to forge a better, brighter future for every child,” the Prime Minister declared. “This government maintains an unwavering commitment to endorsing programs and initiatives that protect and elevate our children, guaranteeing they receive the compassionate care they rightfully deserve.”

    The ceremony was attended by key government officials including Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Eli Zakour and Minister of Health Dr. Lackram Bodoe, demonstrating cross-ministerial support for children’s healthcare initiatives.

  • Signal Hill edge ‘Tigers’ to book intercol final spot

    Signal Hill edge ‘Tigers’ to book intercol final spot

    In a tense and dramatic semifinal clash at Hasely Crawford Stadium on December 6, Signal Hill Secondary School secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over St Anthony’s College to advance to the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Coca-Cola national intercol final. The decisive moment arrived in the 76th minute when substitute Siel Mills, who had just entered the pitch seconds earlier, calmly slotted the ball into an unguarded net. This opportunity emerged after St Anthony’s goalkeeper Necose Moore made a brilliant initial save against another substitute, Jahmiah Gibbes, but left his line exposed.

    The match, while lacking in technical refinement, compensated with intense drama and physical commitment. Signal Hill’s advancement was largely safeguarded by an exceptional performance from goalkeeper Kaleb Romeo, who made two critical saves in the closing stages against St Anthony’s key playmaker, Mordecai Ford. Romeo first denied a powerful left-footed strike from Ford in the 82nd minute and then produced another spectacular stop deep into stoppage time to preserve his team’s narrow lead.

    Signal Hill now prepares for a highly anticipated championship rematch against Naparima College, the 2025 premier division champions who narrowly defeated St Augustine Secondary in their semifinal on December 5. This final confrontation carries added significance for the Tobago-based team, as Naparima College previously denied them the premier division title with a 2-1 victory on November 27, a result that ultimately pushed Signal Hill to third place in the league standings.

    The national intercol final is scheduled for December 10 at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, where Signal Hill will seek redemption and their first national crown against their familiar rivals from Naparima.

  • Artist Liz Gardener bares her Soul, Joy & Love

    Artist Liz Gardener bares her Soul, Joy & Love

    Following a 15-year absence from public exhibitions, Trinidadian artist Elizabeth “Liz” Gardner has emerged with a vibrant collection aimed at injecting joy into the world through her solo showcase “Soul, Joy & Love” at Horizons Art Gallery. The exhibition, running from December 9-19 in St. James, represents Gardner’s deliberate shift from private creation to public sharing despite her previous preference for maintaining a low profile.

    The collection features 38 predominantly figurative works executed primarily in oil paint, accompanied by ink-drawn wooden houses and mixed media pieces combining colored pencils with oil on canvas. Gardner describes the exhibition as both a celebration of earthly beauty and a commentary on contemporary society’s inauthentic and disturbing elements. Through depictions of traditional bélé dancers observed across Caribbean islands, the artist explores how dance, music, and the sea serve as unifying forces within the region.

    Gardner’s artistic philosophy centers on love as the fundamental force in human existence, particularly emphasizing divine love. She expresses hope that her creations will “speak to someone’s heart” and counteract what she perceives as a growing absence of genuine love in modern society.

    The artist’s return to exhibition coincides with her decision to pause her teaching career, which included seven years at Point Cumana RC Primary School where she developed specialized art programs for underserved communities. Gardner has concurrently maintained a 12-year philanthropic initiative supporting children through essential provisions and educational projects, funded entirely by her art sales.

    A graduate of Canada’s Fanshawe College with a degree in painting and graphic design, Gardner brings 30 years of professional experience across multiple creative disciplines including film, theater, printing, and fashion. She describes artists as perpetual creators who “feast” on their respective mediums—whether visual, literary, or musical—interpreting the world through their artistic lenses.

    Looking forward, Gardner plans to expand her experimentation with mixed media techniques and water-based methods, continuing her artistic evolution while advocating for expanded arts education opportunities for Trinidad’s youth, whom she describes as possessing “blow-mind talent” capable of shining on international stages.

  • Into the Blue: Williamsville teen redefines freediving in TT

    Into the Blue: Williamsville teen redefines freediving in TT

    In an extraordinary display of athletic prowess and mental fortitude, 18-year-old Victoria Deonarine from Trinidad and Tobago has redefined the limits of national freediving. On November 21, during the Blue Element competition in Soufriere, Dominica, the St Stephen’s College student plunged to a breathtaking depth of 45 meters without breathing apparatus, shattering her previous national record of 40 meters and surpassing the men’s national record in the process.

    This remarkable achievement represents more than just a personal triumph—it marks a watershed moment for freediving in Trinidad and Tobago. The sport, which involves breath-holding until resurfacing rather than using scuba equipment, has historically flown under the radar in the twin-island nation despite its perfect aquatic environment.

    ‘Honestly, I’m still on a high from it,’ Deonarine confessed to Newsday. ‘It still feels surreal thinking about it because it is everything that I have been working towards and more.’

    The Williamsville native described entering uncharted territory during her record-breaking attempt. While she had reached 40 meters in training, the competition dive pushed her into entirely new depths. ‘I didn’t really know what to expect,’ she admitted. ‘In the past, I never would have dove as deep as that. So, I was a bit nervous.’

    However, Deonarine found her composure once she reached her starting position, surrounded by safety divers. ‘I felt calm, I felt capable because I knew that all of my training had prepared me for that specific moment,’ she recalled.

    Her triumphant resurfacing was marked by a heart-shaped hand gesture and the draping of the Trinidad and Tobago flag across her shoulders—a symbolic celebration of national pride. ‘I’m just really proud to be able to carry my flag to new depths, to represent TT by doing what I love,’ Deonarine expressed.

    The aftermath of her achievement has generated unexpected attention, with interview requests and messages from strangers sparking renewed interest in the sport. Deonarine sees this as an opportunity to promote freediving in her homeland. ‘We are an island surrounded by beautiful water, and so much can happen because people are just not really aware of freediving,’ she noted, highlighting the nation’s untapped potential for the sport.

    Her coach, Saif Mohammed of ‘Out and Under,’ attested to Deonarine’s rapid progression through intermediate freediver certification, advanced breath-hold training, and first responder preparation. Mohammed believes her capabilities extend beyond national records to potential world championship contention. ‘There is a possibility that she can even go up for world records and not just national records,’ he stated.

    Despite these aspirations, Deonarine remains grounded, prioritizing her academic commitments while maintaining training consistency. She envisions Trinidad and Tobago hosting international freediving competitions, particularly in Tobago, which could boost tourism and local participation.

    For now, the young athlete focuses on her examinations, but her historic dive suggests this breakthrough merely marks the beginning of an promising international career in freediving.

  • US donates computers to Tobago school

    US donates computers to Tobago school

    In a significant demonstration of international educational partnership, the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has provided substantial technological resources to Roxborough Anglican Primary School in Tobago. The donation, valued at $25,000 USD, was formally presented on December 5th through the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain as part of SOUTHCOM’s Humanitarian Assistance Program.

    The comprehensive educational package included ten complete computer workstations with desktop computers, desks, and chairs, accompanied by uninterrupted power supplies (UPS) to ensure consistent operation. The contribution further encompassed a printer, ten whiteboards, a refrigerator, microwave oven, and various stationery supplies designed to enhance the learning environment and promote digital literacy among students.

    U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz personally delivered the equipment to School Principal Verlene John during a ceremony held at the Union Street institution. The event was attended by multiple dignitaries including Dale Hercules (representing Tobago East’s Member of Parliament), School Manager Fr. Shaquille Charles, Parent-Teacher Association Vice President Michelle Duke, along with faculty members and students.

    Dr. de Ortiz emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative, stating: “This contribution strengthens the enduring partnership between our nations while investing directly in Trinidad and Tobago’s future. Education serves as the fundamental building block for opportunity and prosperity, and we take pride in supporting the empowerment of coming generations.”

    Principal John expressed profound gratitude for the donation, confirming that the computer systems would be integrated across all grade levels, significantly expanding digital access and learning opportunities for the entire student body. This outreach initiative represents ongoing efforts by SOUTHCOM to support educational development and strengthen international relations through humanitarian assistance programs.

  • Yellow-level weather alert until 6 pm

    Yellow-level weather alert until 6 pm

    The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service has escalated weather warnings by issuing its second yellow-level alert within days. Effective from 11 pm on December 6 until 6 pm on December 7, this advisory signals a period of heightened meteorological instability for the Caribbean nation.

    According to official forecasts, the region is bracing for unsettled conditions featuring rainfall of varying intensities. Meteorological models indicate a 60% probability of isolated thunderstorm activity developing throughout the alert period. The Met Office specifically warned that gusty winds exceeding 55 km/h could accompany heavy showers or thunderstorms, potentially displacing unsecured outdoor objects and creating hazardous marine conditions.

    The advisory highlighted multiple risk factors including possible street and flash flooding from intense downpours, with additional concerns about localized ponding in vulnerable areas. Authorities particularly noted that saturated terrain increases landslide risks, especially in geologically susceptible zones.

    While the most severe weather is anticipated within the official alert window, meteorological officials indicated that showery conditions would likely persist both before and after the designated period. This latest warning follows closely on the heels of a previous yellow alert that was in effect from December 3-4, creating a pattern of persistent adverse weather despite the official conclusion of the hurricane season on November 30.

  • Couva Carnival begs for sponsors

    Couva Carnival begs for sponsors

    The Couva Carnival Committee has officially launched its 2026 celebrations with an urgent appeal for increased corporate funding to deliver what organizers promise will be “the best carnival ever.” Committee Chairman Ramchand Rajbal Maraj revealed the stark financial reality facing the festival during the December 6th launch event at Couva Joylanders Steel Orchestra’s panyard on Railway Road.

    Despite receiving an annual subvention from the National Carnival Commission, the committee faces a significant funding gap with its 2026 budget projected at $480,000. “We produce several marquee events leading up to the actual two days of carnival which increases our expenses substantially,” Rajbal Maraj explained to attendees. “As a result, we depend heavily on the goodwill and generosity of the corporate community.”

    The chairman emphasized that all Couva Carnival events remain free to the public, attracting thousands of patrons who enjoy what he described as “unforgettable experiences.” He made a compelling case for corporate investment, suggesting sponsors would “benefit tremendously by partnering with us and giving back to the community.”

    The launch event itself demonstrated the cultural vibrancy that defines Couva Carnival. Former medium-band Panorama champions Couva Joylanders delivered a spectacular performance, thrilling the audience with several of their hit arrangements. Richard Gill, the band’s executive manager, welcomed the initiative and confirmed the orchestra would play an expanded role in 2026 celebrations.

    Mas enthusiasts received an exclusive preview of 2026 costumes from children’s bands House of Jacqui (presenting ‘Come Fly With Me’) and Carivog Kids (with ‘Explorers’), along with double J’Ouvert champions Wall Brothers (featuring ‘Maljo J’Ouvert’). The entertainment lineup included popular performers Johnny Ramnarine, Blue Magic, and Wackerman, who kept the atmosphere electric with crowd-pleasing hits.

    The committee also announced an extensive calendar of events leading up to the main carnival days, including the Miss Central Trinidad Queen Pageant screening on January 3rd, calypso competition auditions on January 11th, and various showcases and finals throughout February. The grand finale will feature the traditional Parade of the Bands on February 17th, following J’Ouvert celebrations and Monday Nite Mas events.

  • Thompson steps down as promoters’ president

    Thompson steps down as promoters’ president

    The Trinidad and Tobago entertainment sector faces significant turbulence following the resignation of Robert Thompson as president and board member of the Promoters’ Association. Thompson confirmed his departure in a December 7 interview with Newsday, stating there was “no particular reason” for his decision to step down from the organization.

    The resignation occurs amidst escalating tensions between event promoters and the government regarding Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s recent prohibition of fetes and Carnival events at state-owned venues. The ban, implemented primarily due to noise pollution concerns, has sparked intense debate about balancing cultural traditions with community welfare.

    Current vice president Asha Green revealed that the association has received no response from government officials since their December 3 press conference, where organizers pleaded for reversal of the ban and requested stakeholder discussions to establish “clarity, fairness and workable parameters.” Green clarified earlier media misrepresentations, emphasizing that while legal action is not currently pursued, the organization is “weighing our options” regarding next steps.

    During the press conference, promoters presented comprehensive noise-mitigation strategies exceeding state recommendations, including responsible speaker orientation, real-time sound monitoring, certified acoustic oversight, and enhanced on-site management protocols. The association expressed willingness to collaborate with government agencies including the Environmental Management Authority and National Carnival Commission to implement these measures consistently and transparently.

    The dispute intensified when the NGO Citizens Against Noise Pollution of Trinidad and Tobago (CANPTT) issued a December 5 statement supporting the government’s position. The organization described the measures as “timely and necessary” for protecting vulnerable populations including the sick, elderly, infants, students, and residential communities. CANPTT argued that while consultation is desirable, immediate action was required after decades of excessive noise disrupting sleep, study, work, and overall quality of life.

    The advocacy group urged maintaining restrictions until enforceable national noise-control standards are implemented, recommending adherence to World Health Organization decibel limits and incorporation of noise management into long-term cultural planning. Both organizations have expressed willingness to collaborate with the government, leaving the door open for potential compromise despite the current impasse.

  • Minister: Motor Vehicle Accident Fund soon

    Minister: Motor Vehicle Accident Fund soon

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has announced the imminent operationalization of the long-awaited Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, with full infrastructure expected to be in place by the first quarter of 2026. The announcement comes amid heated political debate regarding recently passed financial legislation.

    During a December 7 interview, Minister Tancoo emphasized that the Financial Bill provisions were designed specifically to protect citizens, countering opposition claims that the measures simply imposed additional taxes. “The People’s National Movement is attempting to create the impression that this is a tax on people,” Tancoo stated, “when in reality it establishes crucial protections for accident victims.”

    The Minister explained that the current system leaves victims without recourse when involved in accidents with uninsured, unlicensed, or improperly documented drivers. The new framework establishes significantly increased penalties for traffic violations while simultaneously creating a safety net for those affected by such violations.

    “We have implemented substantially higher penalties for driving without insurance, operating overloaded vehicles, driving without proper permits, and using fraudulent insurance documentation,” Tancoo detailed. “Concurrently, we’ve established an Accident Victims Fund to provide compensation for those injured by uninsured motorists.”

    The fund’s history dates back to 2008, with significant development occurring during Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s first administration between 2010-2015. Cabinet approval for the fund was granted in 2015 with an initial $20 million allocation. The project faced delays due to legal challenges from the Motor Insurance Bureau Association, and as recently as last year, advocacy group Arrive Alive had questioned the ministry about the fund’s status, which was reported to contain approximately $1 billion.

    Tancoo directly addressed political opposition to the measures, asserting that only lawbreakers had reason to fear the increased penalties. “The PNM voted against these protections and apparently believe there should not be increased penalties for those who break the law,” he stated. “As far as I’m concerned, the PNM is encouraging violation of the law. They have never supported government anti-crime measures.”

    The Minister emphasized that the dual approach of increased penalties and victim compensation was designed to both deter unlawful behavior and provide protection for law-abiding citizens. “We are trying to encourage compliance with traffic laws while ensuring that victims have recourse when others choose to break those laws,” he concluded.

    The Financial Bill containing these provisions passed on December 5, 2024, during the 2025/2026 budget presentation, which also announced increased fines for dangerous driving, driving under influence, and driving while disqualified.