Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Mayaro Football Festival builds skills, community spirit among rising stars

    Mayaro Football Festival builds skills, community spirit among rising stars

    The Mayaro Resource Center in southeastern Trinidad became a hub of youthful athletic energy last weekend as more than 120 aspiring footballers participated in the transformative “Shine On” Youth Football Festival and Camp. This comprehensive development initiative, strategically organized by the All Mayaro Sports Foundation (AMSF) with sponsorship from energy company bpTT, provided specialized training for boys and girls aged 6-17 across a two-day immersive program.

    Expert coaches delivered technical instruction focusing on fundamental skills including ball control, precision dribbling, accurate passing, and tactical awareness. The curriculum extended beyond physical techniques to incorporate essential mental conditioning and focus development. These learned competencies were subsequently applied in competitive age-group matches on the second day, allowing participants to demonstrate their enhanced capabilities in practical game scenarios.

    The event culminated with an awards ceremony recognizing exceptional performers who exemplified the training principles. In a significant nod to local football heritage, the festival honored four distinguished Mayaro-born female athletes—Donna-Mae McIntosh, Shaquilla Hamilton, Linfah Jones, and Chrissy Mitchell—who have represented Trinidad and Tobago at elite international levels. Their recognition served as powerful inspiration for the next generation.

    This developmental program operates within the broader framework of the annual Mayaro Football League, now in its 27th season with eight regional teams competing for the Razack Jan Memorial League and Leston Paul Knockout Cup titles. AMSF Chairman and TT Football Association Vice-President Jameson Rigues revealed ambitious plans to establish a permanent sports development academy that would maintain the impressive participant engagement witnessed during the camp.

    The festival’s thematic direction incorporated input from Miss Mayaro and Miss World TT delegate T’Mia Francis, who utilized the platform to advance her ‘Beauty with a Purpose: Shine On’ initiative. Demonstrating social consciousness, girls’ camp uniforms featured purple and pink colors to raise breast cancer awareness while encouraging female participation in competitive sports.

    Eleven-year-old standout participant Deshawn Charles expressed profound appreciation for the camp’s emphasis on discipline and respect alongside technical training, noting: “This camp inspired me to really put in the work to achieve my dream of making the national team.”

    Mayaro MP Wilfred Nicholas Morris praised bpTT’s decades-long community support, while bpTT Vice-President Karissa Bissoon reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sporting development as a pillar of opportunity and empowerment for Trinidadian youth. The event also attracted officials from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, including former national footballer Ryan Stewart, underscoring its significance within the national sports landscape.

  • Appeal Court dismisses woman’s appeal over former home

    Appeal Court dismisses woman’s appeal over former home

    In a decisive legal ruling, Trinidad and Tobago’s Court of Appeal has reinforced property rights by dismissing a homeowner’s challenge against an investment company’s lawful acquisition of a Champs Fleurs property. The three-judge panel, led by Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh alongside Justices James Aboud and Geoffrey Henderson, delivered their unanimous verdict on December 4, affirming the High Court’s earlier decision favoring Southview Investments Ltd.

    The case centered on Olive Reyes-Clarke’s attempted appeal against the property’s lawful transfer following her mortgage default with Scotiabank. The appellate court determined that Southview Investments legitimately obtained ownership through its 2016 purchase from the financial institution, with Justice Boodoosingh emphasizing that Reyes-Clarke presented no substantive evidence to challenge the company’s legal title.

    Documentation presented to the court revealed a pattern of unauthorized re-entry attempts by Reyes-Clarke beginning in January 2018. Affidavits from Southview director Rambarran Sant, attorney Jean Louis Kelly, and neighbor Prakash Ramadhar detailed multiple incidents where the appellant allegedly forced entry, damaged property locks, and refused to vacate despite police intervention.

    Reyes-Clarke, representing herself procedurally, leveled accusations of mortgage mismanagement, conspiracy, and judicial bias throughout previous proceedings. She maintained that a 2017 stay order preserved her possession rights and questioned the regularity of the sale process. The appellate court systematically rejected these claims, noting the complete absence of supporting evidence for allegations of fraud or misconduct.

    Chief Justice Boodoosingh praised High Court Justice Margaret Mohammed’s “well-reasoned, balanced judgment” and clarified that an unfavorable ruling does not constitute judicial bias. The court ultimately found that Reyes-Clarke failed to demonstrate any legal authorization for re-entering the property years after its lawful sale, confirming that Southview Investments’ possession rights remain fully enforceable.

  • National Trust hosts Ponche de Crème, Parang and Pan at Mille Fleurs

    National Trust hosts Ponche de Crème, Parang and Pan at Mille Fleurs

    The National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago successfully orchestrated an authentic cultural extravaganza at the historic Mille Fleurs Heritage House on November 29th. The event, titled “Ponche de Crème, Parang and Pan Celebration,” embodied the quintessential spirit of a traditional Trini Christmas through its harmonious fusion of heritage, music, and community engagement.

    The celebration gained significant diplomatic and cultural prominence with the attendance of distinguished international guests. Geoffrey Ramsey, President of the Barbados National Trust, participated as part of ongoing initiatives to strengthen regional heritage collaborations. The event also welcomed Senator Darrell Allahar, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, alongside members of the diplomatic corps including Álvaro Sánchez Cordero, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

    The Venezuelan Embassy contributed substantially to the cultural tapestry of the evening by operating a dedicated booth where attendees savored authentic Venezuelan ponche de crème and traditional Christmas delicacies. This culinary exchange highlighted the shared cultural heritage between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago.

    Gastronomic offerings extended beyond beverages, with patrons enjoying a curated selection of local cuisine throughout the evening. The Paramin food tent emerged as a particular highlight, featuring wild meat dishes that delivered an unmistakable local flavor to the experience.

    The musical program featured exceptional performances that filled the historic venue with seasonal rhythms. Los Sonidos, Los Parranderos de UWI, Voces Jóvenes, and the renowned Desperadoes Steel Orchestra provided entertainment that captured the essential harmonies and warmth characteristic of Trinidad and Tobago’s Christmas traditions.

    The National Trust acknowledged its partners and sponsors whose support made the event possible, including Massy Foundation, Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, NCC, WACK Radio 90.1 FM, M2 Marketing & Promotions, Venus Ponche de Crème, Hyatt Regency Trinidad, NFM, and the Venezuelan Embassy.

  • Prison Service hosts VALIANCE 3×3 basketball tourney

    Prison Service hosts VALIANCE 3×3 basketball tourney

    The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service is pioneering a groundbreaking sports initiative that merges institutional camaraderie with national athletic ambition. The VALIANCE 3×3 basketball inter-station competition, concluding on December 5 after commencing on December 4, represents more than just an internal tournament—it’s a strategic move to strengthen the country’s basketball infrastructure.

    This innovative program operates under the official FIBA 3×3 framework, meaning every game directly contributes to Trinidad and Tobago’s international ranking within the basketball federation. The timing is particularly significant as the nation sets its sights on qualifying for major global events including the 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Poland and the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

    Assistant Commissioner of Prisons Ricardo Dass emphasized the dual-purpose nature of VALIANCE, noting that while enhancing team spirit among officers, the initiative simultaneously identifies and develops talent for national representation. “Officers who demonstrate exceptional skill can transition into representative squads,” Dass explained, “creating a pool of experienced 3×3 players who may eventually represent Trinidad and Tobago on the international stage.”

    The tournament’s organizational structure ensures all participating officers are registered on the official play.fiba3x3.com platform, guaranteeing that their performances count toward official rankings and national team eligibility criteria. Looking beyond the current competition, organizers have already begun discussions about expanding the event to include other national security agencies, potentially creating a more competitive developmental platform that could further elevate the country’s basketball prospects.

  • Padarath, Browne argue over language

    Padarath, Browne argue over language

    A significant political confrontation has erupted in Trinidad and Tobago regarding diplomatic rhetoric surrounding US-Venezuela tensions. Government Minister Barry Padarath has vehemently rejected opposition senator Dr. Amery Browne’s appeal for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to moderate her language concerning the nation’s position on Caribbean geopolitical affairs.

    Padarath, serving as both Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister and Government Whip, issued a formal statement characterizing Browne’s criticism as “a profound mischaracterization of the Prime Minister’s statements” and “a startling display of selective outrage.” The minister accused the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) of longstanding “political contamination” of national discourse through hostile rhetoric.

    The government’s response highlighted what it described as a pattern of hypocrisy, noting Browne’s silence when former PNM leader Dr. Keith Rowley allegedly used derogatory terms including ‘jamette’ to reference women, made comparisons between golf courses and women, referred to citizens as ‘hyenas,’ and employed racially charged language.

    Padarath established clear conditions for rhetorical moderation, stating the Prime Minister would “cool it” only when specific national security improvements occur: reduction in murders, cessation of illegal firearms flow, dismantling of drug trafficking networks, eradication of human trafficking, and enhanced public safety for all citizens regardless of background.

    In rebuttal, Browne condemned what he characterized as the government’s adoption of “the worst aspects of vicious politics,” citing “gas-lighting, distractions, toxic language, and baseless allegations” as standard practice among governing party officials. The opposition senator expressed concern about governmental indifference to societal polarization exacerbated by discriminatory employment practices and rising food prices, creating palpable tension among the population.

  • &5678 Dance Studio premieres Outta This World

    &5678 Dance Studio premieres Outta This World

    SAN FERNANDO – &5678 Dance Studio is set to transport audiences from terrestrial monotony to celestial wonder with its highly anticipated 2025 production, “Outta This World.” The original dance spectacle will transform Naparima Bowl’s stage into a vibrant cosmic arena from December 12-14, exploring profound themes of human curiosity, spiritual struggle, and inner divinity through innovative choreography.

    The narrative follows a group of explorers disillusioned by everyday routine who embark on an extraordinary voyage guided by a mysterious entity known as The Enigma. Their immersive journey through stunning celestial landscapes—from stellar nurseries to distant planetary realms—serves as a metaphor for confronting inner doubts and discovering cosmic connectivity.

    Artistic Director Charlene Harris describes the production as “more than a dance show; it’s a spiritual and visual experience using movement to articulate universal human yearning.” The performance integrates multiple dance disciplines including ballet, contemporary, modern, Afro-Caribbean, and hip-hop, enhanced by elaborate costumes, innovative lighting, and an original musical score.

    The studio’s previous productions like 2019’s “A Day in the Village”—featuring acclaimed pieces such as Aviance Samuel’s “Fairy Maids” and Afiya Babb’s “Villagers”—established their reputation for visually striking storytelling. “Outta This World” continues this tradition while elevating the conceptual ambition to cosmic proportions.

    Tickets are available at the studio’s Carlton Centre location in San Fernando, with additional information accessible through phone (464-5678), email (5678dancestudiott@gmail.com), official website, or social media channels @5678dancestudiott.

  • Michele Dowrich celebrates rhythm of her life with concert on December 7

    Michele Dowrich celebrates rhythm of her life with concert on December 7

    While many view turning 60 as a signal to slow down, acclaimed vocalist and music educator Michele Dowrich is embracing this milestone as her cue to step into the spotlight. Rather than retreating into retirement, Dowrich is marking her sixth decade with “60-licious Live!” – a spectacular concert event that embodies her vibrant spirit and lifelong dedication to the arts.

    The December 7th performance at San Fernando’s Naparima Bowl represents more than mere entertainment; it stands as a radiant tribute to resilience, reinvention, and the rhythmic journey of a life richly lived through music. Dowrich has assembled an exceptional lineup of collaborators for this celebratory event, including renowned vocalists Brenda Butler, Lois Lewis, Turon Nicholas, Quinton Neckles, and Tobago’s jazz-soul sensation Sharon Phillips (also known as Anubia Phoenix).

    Musical accompaniment will be provided by EFX the Band and Jessel Murray, with Dowrich hinting at special surprise performances throughout the evening. The event promises to be a culmination of Dowrich’s extensive career, which spans decades of musical excellence across educational and performance spheres.

    Her professional journey includes serving as assistant musical director for the Southernaires Choir under both the late Joy Caesar CMT and current director Peter Lockhart. As an educator, she nurtured young talent at San Fernando Girls’ Anglican School and St Joseph’s Convent, where her choirs consistently achieved top honors at the biennial Music Festival competitions.

    Dowrich’s personal musical journey began in childhood, supported by family encouragement and teachers who fostered artistic expression through choir, poetry, and performance. By age 18, she had already placed third in her first solo competition at the Music Festival. Her breakthrough came in the 1980s when she assumed the lead role of Mary in “Follow the Star” with the Prescon choir, stepping in when the production urgently needed a replacement.

    Most recently, Dowrich completed six impactful years as a curriculum officer in the Ministry of Education’s Visual and Performing Arts Unit, where she supported teachers and strengthened national music education programs. Now entering retirement following double hip replacement surgery two years ago, she views this concert as both a celebration of survival and a testament to enduring passion. The event will be followed by an after-party, with tickets available at the Naparima Bowl box office.

  • Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe: No shortage of critical meds

    Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe: No shortage of critical meds

    Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe has issued firm assurances that Trinidad and Tobago’s public health system maintains adequate supplies of cardiovascular, hypertension, and cancer medications, despite recent revelations of significant pharmaceutical wastage. The confirmation comes in response to disclosures made during a December 1 sitting of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee, which uncovered that approximately $80 million worth of unused drugs had expired in storage over the past decade.

    In an exchange with Newsday via WhatsApp, Minister Bodoe addressed concerns regarding potential impacts on the Chronic Disease Assistance Programme (CDAP), a vital initiative providing free prescription medications for diabetes, hypertension, cardiac conditions, and other chronic diseases. When questioned about how the addition of five new drugs to the CDAP formulary on October 1 might affect existing stockpiles, and what preventive measures would be implemented to curb future waste, Bodoe provided detailed reassurances.

    “I am advised that these medicines remain available across the regional health authorities for the population, and that patient care is not at risk,” Bodoe stated emphatically. He elaborated on the ministry’s operational framework, noting that “the ministry operates through a structured, accountable procurement and supply-chain process that ensures continuous availability of essential drugs. Procurement decisions are guided by clinical need, safety, quality and value for money.”

    The Health Minister emphasized that citizen health and well-being constitute the ministry’s paramount priority, with daily monitoring protocols actively ensuring uninterrupted access to life-saving medications throughout the healthcare system.

  • Joshua Hinds in debut Christmas concert

    Joshua Hinds in debut Christmas concert

    San Fernando’s Creative Arts Centre will resonate with festive melodies on December 13th as Joshua Hinds, a 23-year-old musician and law student from Marabella, presents his inaugural Christmas spectacle – “This Christmas Night!” The 7 pm event promises an eclectic musical journey through classic Christmas hymns, soca parang, and R&B arrangements.

    Beyond seasonal entertainment, the concert serves a dual purpose: funding Hinds’ legal education at Hugh Wooding Law School while fulfilling his artistic aspirations. “This show represents both financial necessity and creative fulfillment,” Hinds revealed. “After years envisioning my own headline performance, the timing and reasons have perfectly aligned.”

    Hinds’ musical foundation was laid during childhood through classical piano training initiated by his excellence-driven mother. His artistic perspective transformed under the mentorship of late music educator Sharon Francis from Holy Faith Convent in Penal. Concurrently, The Oratory Foundation nurtured his theatrical abilities under Deborah Jean-Baptiste Samuel’s guidance, while parental encouragement led him to calypso competitions and music festivals.

    The multi-talented performer credits his choral experiences at St Benedict’s College and Presentation College Mixed Choir for igniting his passion for vocal harmony. Musical icons Michael Jackson and gospel tenor David Phelps significantly influenced his artistic development.

    Hinds’ dedication culminated in 2021 when he achieved top Caribbean ranking in CAPE performing arts (music) – a breakthrough moment that demonstrated his potential through relentless effort. His accolades include multiple Music Festival titles, though performing before 4,000 attendees at a Los Angeles worship conference remains his most memorable experience.

    His legal career inspiration came from witnessing mentor Deborah Jean-Baptiste Samuel successfully balance artistic pursuits with legal practice. Law studies have conversely enhanced his musical discipline, teaching him strategic time management and adaptive problem-solving.

    The concert’s title reflects theological contemplation about Christ’s birth significance. The production features collaborative performances with family members, including a duet with his 13-year-old sister Renee and vocal contributions from brother Caleb and father Deryck, creating the distinctive harmony only familial bonds can produce.

    With tickets priced at $150, Hinds aims to raise approximately $60,000 for law school tuition while inspiring young dreamers to overcome obstacles through determination. Future aspirations include establishing annual Christmas productions and eventually founding a music school, alongside pursuing entertainment law.

    Despite hectic preparations, Hinds embraces the creative process, inviting audiences to experience seasonal joy and remember the holiday’s spiritual meaning through his musical offering.

  • PM reaffirms transparency on refinery restart

    PM reaffirms transparency on refinery restart

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has reinforced her administration’s dedication to transparent governance regarding the proposed reactivation of the former Petrotrin oil refinery in Pointe-a-Pierre. The commitment was formally articulated during a high-level meeting with the Refinery Reactivation Committee at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s, where officials examined recent developments concerning the facility’s potential restart.

    The government’s official communication emphasized Persad-Bissessar’s unwavering focus on “transparency, national benefit, and ensuring that Trinidad and Tobago advances with a refinery plan that truly serves our people.” The administration pledged to provide regular public updates as deliberations continue to evolve.

    Chaired by former energy minister Kevin Ramnarine, the specialized committee is evaluating the feasibility of resuming operations at the industrial complex, which ceased operations in November 2018 during Petrotrin’s restructuring into Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Ltd (TPHL). The refinery’s revival constituted a central campaign promise of the United National Congress (UNC) party during the April 28 general election.

    Current Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal provided technical insights, indicating that partial production could potentially resume within 12-18 months, with full operational capacity achievable within approximately 36 months. However, he clarified that this timeline remains contingent upon capital expenditure requirements and financial arrangements, which the committee’s comprehensive report is expected to address in detail.

    Photographic evidence from the meeting revealed officials examining an interim assessment document, which Moonilal characterized as providing “an important map as to how we move forward” based on established terms of reference. The final feasibility report was anticipated for delivery in early December, representing a critical milestone in determining the project’s viability and implementation framework.