Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Curacao meet giants Germany at World Cup, Haiti face Brazil

    Curacao meet giants Germany at World Cup, Haiti face Brazil

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw has set the stage for dramatic encounters between footballing giants and ambitious underdogs, with Caribbean nations receiving particularly challenging assignments. Curacao, the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament with a population of merely 156,000, will face four-time champions Germany in their opening match of Group E. Under coach Dick Advocaat, the island nation that surprisingly topped CONCACAF’s final qualifying group ahead of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago will also battle Ecuador and Ivory Coast.

    Other Caribbean qualifiers face equally daunting prospects. Haiti finds itself in the formidable Group C alongside five-time champions Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland. Panama, another CONCACAF success story, must navigate Group L against Croatia, England, and Ghana in what promises to be a highly competitive bracket.

    Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz face an additional hurdle, requiring victory in an intercontinental playoff against Congo and New Caledonia for entry into Group K, where Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan await. The expanded 48-team tournament will commence on June 11 with a replay of the 2010 opener between Mexico and South Africa.

    Defending champions Argentina, currently ranked second by FIFA, headline Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and debutants Jordan. Top-ranked Spain will confront two-time winners Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and World Cup newcomers Cape Verde in Group H.

    Tournament favorites face varied paths: 2022 runners-up France meet Norway, Senegal, and a playoff winner from Bolivia, Iraq, or Suriname in Group I. Host nations received mixed fortunes—Canada will face Qatar, Switzerland, and a European playoff winner in Group B, while the United States meets Australia, Paraguay, and another European playoff victor in Group D.

    The complete group composition showcases football’s global expansion, blending traditional powerhouses with emerging football nations across twelve groups that promise unprecedented competitive diversity.

  • Pioneers, industry leaders honoured at Tunapuna business chamber awards

    Pioneers, industry leaders honoured at Tunapuna business chamber awards

    TUNAPUNA – The National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua served as the prestigious venue on December 4 for the Greater Tunapuna Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GTCIC) to host its annual awards ceremony, casting a well-deserved spotlight on the visionary leaders who have fundamentally shaped the economic landscape of the East-West Corridor.

  • Samara Ramnath bowls Trinidad and Tobago to win over Jamaica at Bolivarian Games

    Samara Ramnath bowls Trinidad and Tobago to win over Jamaica at Bolivarian Games

    In a dramatic display of contrasting outcomes at the Bolivarian Games in Ayacucho-Lima, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago’s cricket teams witnessed radically different results on December 5th. The women’s squad delivered a commanding performance to secure their place in the championship final, while the men’s team suffered their first tournament defeat against Barbados.

    The TT women’s team demonstrated exceptional bowling prowess against Jamaica for the second consecutive day, dismissing their opponents for a meager 58 runs. Eighteen-year-old off-spinner Samara Ramnath emerged as the standout performer with impressive figures of 4/11 from her four overs. Veteran players Lee Ann Kirby and Anisa Mohammed provided crucial support with identical bowling statistics of 2/9 each. Jamaica’s batting lineup collapsed dramatically after reaching 44/2, losing their final eight wickets for just 14 runs.

    Despite an early batting stumble that saw TT reduced to 13/2, experienced campaigner Britney Cooper orchestrated a spectacular recovery with an explosive unbeaten 33 from just 18 deliveries. Her innings, featuring three boundaries and two sixes, propelled the team to an eight-wicket victory with more than eleven overs to spare.

    Meanwhile, the TT men’s team encountered significant challenges against Barbados, falling to a 34-run defeat despite earlier victories against Jamaica and hosts Peru. Barbados posted a competitive total of 150/5, anchored by opener Shian Brathwaite’s composed unbeaten 63 from 58 balls. The TT bowling attack was led by allrounder Teshawn Castro (2/21) and left-arm spinner Damion Joachim (2/33).

    The TT chase began disastrously, collapsing to 27/4 within seven overs. Although captain Vikash Mohan (27) and Dejourn Charles (39) staged a partial recovery with a 46-run partnership, the team ultimately folded for 116 in the penultimate over. Barbados’ left-arm seamer Jerome Jones proved instrumental with bowling figures of 3/27.

    The women’s team will complete their round-robin stage against Barbados on December 6th before advancing to the championship final on December 7th. The men’s squad awaits their final placement while hoping for another opportunity to compete for the title.

  • Trinidad and Tobago women stay perfect at Bolivarian Games

    Trinidad and Tobago women stay perfect at Bolivarian Games

    In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, Trinidad and Tobago’s women’s team secured their place in the Bolivarian Games final with a decisive 74-run victory against Barbados on December 6 in Ayacucho-Lima, Peru. Maintaining an impeccable tournament record with four consecutive wins, the TT squad demonstrated exceptional skill both with the bat and ball.

    After being sent to bat first, TT posted a competitive total of 120/7 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by veteran batter Britney Cooper, who delivered a masterful 53 runs from 48 deliveries, including seven boundaries and one maximum. Young talent Samara Ramnath provided crucial support with her 21-run contribution from 24 balls. Despite early setbacks that saw openers Shunelle Sawh and Djenaba Joseph dismissed within the first eight overs, the 61-run partnership between Cooper and Ramnath proved instrumental in building a defendable total.

    Barbados’ bowling attack was led by Erin Deane, who claimed three wickets for 23 runs, while Elecia Bowman secured one for eight.

    The Bajans’ response with the bat quickly unraveled against TT’s disciplined bowling unit. Restricted to a mere 16/2 during the powerplay, Barbados never found momentum against TT’s spin duo of Karishma Ramharack (1/5) and Anisa Mohammed (2/4). The batting collapse intensified as pacer Kirbyina Alexander dominated with remarkable figures of 3/4, supported by Brianna Harricharan’s 2/9. Barbados ultimately collapsed to 46 all out in 19.3 overs, falling dramatically short of the target.

    With this commanding performance, the TT women advance to the December 7 final with tremendous momentum, while setting the stage for an additional showdown between TT and Barbados in the men’s championship match.

  • Cancer challenge

    Cancer challenge

    In a powerful convergence of personal courage, football legend Shaka Hislop and fashion industry veteran Christopher Nathan have simultaneously brought prostate cancer into the public spotlight through their brave disclosures. Their divergent experiences with the disease underscore critical gaps in male healthcare awareness and accessibility.

    Hislop, 56, credited early detection with saving his life despite having no genetic predisposition or family history of prostate cancer. The former goalkeeper maintained annual check-ups, which ultimately revealed his condition. After undergoing MRI scans and biopsies, doctors discovered the cancer had spread to his pelvic bone by mid-2025. His recent completion of radiation treatment represents a success story of proactive healthcare.

    In stark contrast, 63-year-old Nathan’s journey began with persistent back pain initially misdiagnosed as osteoarthritis at multiple medical facilities. Only when his symptoms intensified recently did advanced testing reveal stage four metastatic spinal cancer originating from previously undetected prostate cancer. Nathan now faces the difficult choice between palliative care or aggressive radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

    Their stories emerge against a troubling backdrop of cultural barriers that prevent men from seeking timely medical attention. Deep-rooted taboos, gender norms promoting ‘macho’ indifference to vulnerability, and widespread distrust in healthcare systems contribute to dangerous delays in diagnosis. This is particularly concerning in the Caribbean region, which suffers among the world’s highest prostate cancer mortality rates.

    According to Ministry of Health statistics from 2016-2020, prostate cancer accounted for 18.2% of all cancer deaths nationally, primarily affecting men over 55. Alarmingly, global trends identified by the American Cancer Society indicate rising cancer rates among adults under 50, amplifying the urgency for improved detection protocols and dismantling healthcare stigmas.

    The parallel disclosures from these prominent figures from different generations and professional backgrounds create a unique opportunity to transform how societies approach male wellness, emphasizing that early intervention transcends age, status, or perceived invincibility.

  • Soca Strikers whip Blazers in TTCB U-23 Cup

    Soca Strikers whip Blazers in TTCB U-23 Cup

    In a spectacular display of youthful talent, the Soca Strikers Under-19 team commenced their campaign in the TT Cricket Board’s Under-23 Cup with an emphatic nine-wicket triumph against the Scarlet Blazers at Brian Lara Cricket Academy on December 5.

    The match witnessed two extraordinary individual performances that defined the contest. Opening batsman Saleem Khan delivered a masterclass with an unbeaten 107 runs from 109 deliveries, showcasing his batting prowess with 11 boundaries and three maximums. Meanwhile, West Indies under-19 representative Brendan Boodoo demonstrated bowling excellence with a devastating five-wicket haul that dismantled the opposition’s batting lineup.

    The Scarlet Blazers, opting to bat first after winning the toss, struggled to establish momentum against the Strikers’ disciplined attack. Despite a resilient half-century from Sachin Emrit (50 not out) and contributions from R. Yearwood (39) and captain Rajeev Ramnath (20), the Blazers collapsed from a relatively comfortable 137-4 to a meager 190 all out in 41.2 overs. Boodoo’s leg-spin wizardry proved particularly destructive, claiming five wickets for just 21 runs across eight overs.

    Chasing a modest target of 191, the Soca Strikers exhibited clinical efficiency. Though they lost an early wicket at 56 runs, Khan partnered with Aadi Ramsaran (61 not out) to forge an unbroken 140-run stand for the second wicket. Their dominant partnership guided the Strikers to victory at 196-1 with more than ten overs remaining, highlighting the team’s batting depth and composure under pressure.

    The tournament continues with upcoming fixtures featuring Steelpan Titans and Cocrico Warriors at the National Cricket Centre in Couva, culminating in a final showdown at Brian Lara Cricket Academy on December 13.

  • Naparima get past St Augustine 1-0, inch closer to potential SSFL triple crown

    Naparima get past St Augustine 1-0, inch closer to potential SSFL triple crown

    Naparima College secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against St Augustine Secondary in the Coca-Cola Intercol semifinal at Ato Boldon Stadium on December 5, keeping their ambitious triple crown pursuit alive. The decisive moment arrived in the 55th minute when star striker Riquelme Phillips converted a penalty kick with clinical precision, slotting the ball into the lower right corner as goalkeeper Tyrese Henry dove in the opposite direction.

    The match showcased contrasting styles, with Naparima dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities throughout the contest. Phillips, along with attacking midfielder Jacob O’Reilly and winger Arron Raymond, consistently threatened St Augustine’s defense with penetrating runs and multiple attempts on goal. However, Henry delivered an exceptional performance between the posts, making several crucial saves to keep his team in contention.

    St Augustine, nicknamed the ‘Green Machine,’ mounted intense pressure in the final 15 minutes, displaying remarkable resilience despite being outplayed for much of the match. Captain Giovanni Hospedales led the offensive surge alongside Elijah Baptiste and substitute Jayden Solozano, but they struggled to break through Naparima’s organized defensive wall comprising Antonio Hills, Elijah Edwards, and Sebastian James.

    The penalty decision proved controversial, awarded after an in-swinging corner bounced awkwardly and struck St Augustine defender Mikel Murray on the arm. Despite the setback, St Augustine’s late aggressive push nearly produced an equalizer, creating tense moments for Naparima coach Angus Eve on the sidelines.

    With this victory, Naparima moves one step closer to achieving a historic triple crown, having already secured the SSFL league title and South zone Intercol championship earlier this season.

  • Pharmacy lobby backs PM to break drugs monopoly

    Pharmacy lobby backs PM to break drugs monopoly

    Trinidad and Tobago’s pharmaceutical sector faces mounting scrutiny as market consolidation allegations prompt official parliamentary investigation. Glenwayne Suchit, President of the Private Pharmacy Retail Business Association (PPRBA), has expressed cautious optimism following Prime Minister’s commitments to address what he describes as a rapidly consolidating monopoly threatening both industry competition and consumer affordability.

    Suchit’s concerns center on market dominance by major players, particularly Aventa and its parent company Agostini Ltd, which he claims control approximately 74% of private wholesale markets and dominate public-sector procurement. The association’s comprehensive 80-page report, prepared by legal counsel Ted Roopnarine, details acquisition patterns that have substantially reduced competition through takeovers of competitors including M-Pharm and Oscar Francois.

    The Parliamentary Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) has initiated an inquiry into pharmaceutical acquisitions, issuing subpoenas to multiple government agencies including the Ministry of Finance, Chemistry Food and Drugs Division, Customs and Excise, and the Pharmacy Board. The hearing has been adjourned until January 26 pending further evidence collection.

    Agostini Ltd responded to allegations with a December 5 press release acknowledging regulatory reviews while maintaining the distribution sector remains “regulated and competitive” with over 70 registered distributors. The company disclosed Aventa secured 34.3% of tender awards by value in the 2023-2025 procurement cycle, with combined retail operations representing 18% market share.

    Suchit contends these figures actually validate his concerns, noting that when combined with Bryden’s market share, the two entities control approximately 54% of government tender awards. He further highlighted systemic issues including $80 million in expired pharmaceuticals discovered at Nipdec’s central storage facilities, which he had previously warned about in August 2023.

    Additional challenges include malfunctioning CDAP program infrastructure leaving pharmacies unpaid since March, with over 200 establishments essentially “working for free” according to Suchit. Registration delays at the CFDD have also drawn criticism, with routine products reportedly taking up to a decade for approval.

    The Fair Trading Commission faces particular scrutiny for its handling of competition complaints, with Suchit alleging the agency misunderstood its investigative powers and procedural requirements. Despite these challenges, the PPRBA maintains constructive relations with the Ministry of Health and believes the PAAC inquiry will catalyze necessary institutional reforms to restore market balance.

  • Sorrel, ginger – the flavours of Xmas

    Sorrel, ginger – the flavours of Xmas

    As the Christmas season envelops the Caribbean, vibrant tray vans overflow with fresh sorrel blossoms awaiting preparation, while abundant ginger roots stand ready for transformation into traditional beverages. This festive period traditionally involves crafting homemade wines from local ingredients like sorrel, ginger, and tropical fruits. However, these culinary endeavors often result in leftover ingredients that inspire creative culinary innovation.

    Beyond the conventional drinks, these seasonal flavors can be reinvented through various gourmet applications. The ginger-orange-sorrel relish presents a sophisticated condiment combining sorrel petals with citrus, spices, and fresh ginger, boiled to perfection for preservation. For main courses, sorrel glaze elevates short ribs with a complex sweet-spicy profile incorporating pepper jelly, balsamic vinegar, and warm spices.

    Mixology enthusiasts can explore sorrel-based cocktails including a elegant spritzer combining sweetened sorrel with Prosecco and lime, or reinvented mojitos blending mint, rum, and sorrel with soda water. The traditional ginger beer preparation method involves natural fermentation of grated ginger with cloves and lime in sun-warmed bottles.

    Seafood offerings feature prominently with gingery grilled kingfish fillets marinated in sesame oil, soy sauce, and aromatics, served alongside fresh tomato salsa incorporating cilantro, hot pepper, and lime. These culinary innovations demonstrate how traditional Christmas ingredients can be transformed into contemporary gourmet experiences while honoring Caribbean culinary heritage.

  • Tobago PNM to unveil manifesto on December 13

    Tobago PNM to unveil manifesto on December 13

    The Tobago Council of the People’s National Movement (PNM) will officially unveil its electoral manifesto on December 13, precisely one month before voters head to the polls for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections on January 12. The announcement was made by PNM Tobago Council leader and Buccoo/Mt Pleasant candidate, Ancil Dennis, who confirmed the party will simultaneously present its full slate of 15 selected candidates at a public meeting.

    Addressing the recent defection of former PNM Tobago West constituency chairman Keigon Denoon to the rival Tobago People’s Party (TPP), Dennis expressed diplomatic goodwill. “We in the PNM respect democracy and people’s freedom to choose,” he stated. “We thank him for his service to the party over many years as a youth who grew and developed within the party, and we wish him the best.” Denoon was formally named as the TPP’s candidate for Buccoo/Mt Pleasant by political leader Farley Augustine on December 1.

    Dennis characterized the PNM’s electoral preparations as “excellent,” noting that candidate selection was finalized by late July and campaigning has been ongoing since August. “We are looking forward to a successful campaign and returning to office to bring back decent and responsible governance for the island and the people of Tobago,” he affirmed.

    The upcoming election represents a potential redemption opportunity for the PNM, which was overwhelmingly ousted in the January 2021 THA elections. The Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), led by Watson Duke, achieved a landslide victory by capturing 14 of 15 seats. However, the PDP’s dominance proved short-lived as internal fractures emerged eight months later. A significant rift between Duke and numerous party members triggered mass resignations, with most executives declaring themselves independents. Duke himself resigned as Deputy Chief Secretary. These former PDP members subsequently established the new Tobago People’s Party (TPP).

    Despite acknowledging voter dissatisfaction with the current leadership, Dennis recognized the challenges ahead. “People are convinced that the island is worse off under these people,” he noted. “However, we realize that we have a case to make. We have to demonstrate that we are ready to do better than we did before. We have to demonstrate that we have listened, we have learned, and we have to do a lot better.”

    Dennis expressed confidence in his party’s roster, describing the Tobago PNM team as a “good team” that would convince voters “that the PNM is the way to go and that they don’t have to accept a situation where the island has been mismanaged in some serious ways for the past four years.”

    Regarding recent boundary adjustments by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC), which included moving one polling station and renaming two districts, Dennis deemed the changes insignificant to the PNM’s campaign strategy. “It is neither here nor there for me,” he commented. “I don’t think the changes are significant enough to change the picture, per se. We are looking forward to an effective campaign, and I believe that once we do that, we can rescue Tobago after January 12.”

    Meanwhile, PDP political leader Watson Duke declined to comment when contacted by Newsday, indicating he plans to hold a media conference on December 9.