Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Alexander urges prison officers to uphold integrity

    Alexander urges prison officers to uphold integrity

    Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander has called on prison officers to maintain their integrity amidst rising concerns about contraband smuggling within correctional facilities. Speaking during an interview with Newsday on October 10 at the Brian Lara Promenade in Port of Spain, Alexander emphasized the ministry’s efforts to address the issue of illegal drones, though he refrained from disclosing specific details about the technology being considered to combat the problem.

    Alexander stressed that integrity is an inherent quality, rooted in one’s upbringing and family values. He urged officers not to allow their integrity to be questioned or undermined by baseless allegations. While acknowledging potential flaws in the prison service vetting process, he expressed confidence in the existing system, noting that individuals may sometimes be compromised due to personal circumstances.

    Reflecting on a lesson from his mother, Alexander shared, “She always told me, ‘You have $20 in your pocket: make it work for you. Once you start taking things from people, you’ll have to bow to them.’”

    In the short term, Alexander aims to enhance safety and conditions within penal institutions. He highlighted ongoing physical improvements to prisons, including cleaning efforts, and reiterated plans to relocate the Port of Spain Prison to a more suitable location. The current facility, he noted, is overcrowded and poorly situated in a busy business and residential district.

    Alexander also addressed the recent multi-million-dollar quarry raid in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, commending the police for their efforts while acknowledging minor issues within the service. He urged the public to trust the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and support their crime-fighting initiatives.

    Regarding his budget priorities, Alexander expressed hope that all agencies under his purview would receive the necessary resources to function effectively.

  • Leaders Fatima, ‘Naps’ look to keep unbeaten SSFL records going

    Leaders Fatima, ‘Naps’ look to keep unbeaten SSFL records going

    The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division is witnessing intense competition as reigning champions Fatima College (19 points) prepare to defend their narrow one-point lead at the top of the 2025 table. On October 11, they will face Queen’s Royal College (QRC), their north zone rivals, in a highly anticipated match at Mucurapo Road. This clash is a rematch of last season’s north zone intercol final, where Fatima emerged victorious in a penalty shootout. All eight premier division matches are scheduled to kick off at 3:30 pm.

  • ‘Pres’ tackle St Anthony’s in RBC Royal Slam Basketball

    ‘Pres’ tackle St Anthony’s in RBC Royal Slam Basketball

    The RBC Royal Slam College Basketball Tournament continues its thrilling journey into its second weekend, with action-packed games scheduled at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua starting October 11. The tournament, a collaborative effort between Next Level Performance TT and the TT Schools Basketball Association, has already delivered high-octane performances and nail-biting finishes.

    On October 11, the spotlight will be on two compelling matchups. At 4 pm, Presentation College (San Fernando), a dominant force from the south, will clash with St Anthony’s College from the north. This will be followed at 5 pm by an intense battle between Queen’s Royal College and St Francis College. The excitement doesn’t end there, as St Francis College will return to the court on October 12 at 4 pm to face Fatima College, a team that made a spectacular debut in the tournament on October 5 with a resounding 118-72 victory over Holy Cross College. Fatima’s dynamic duo, Idriis Martin (26 points, seven steals) and Zachary Julien (25 points, eight steals), were instrumental in their dominant performance.

    The opening weekend also saw a thrilling encounter between Presentation College and St Mary’s College, where Presentation narrowly lost 94-91 despite an outstanding individual effort from Michael McCarthy, who scored 42 points and grabbed 16 rebounds.

    The Royal Slam Tournament features seven competitive teams: Fatima College, Holy Cross College, Presentation College (San Fernando), Queen’s Royal College, St Anthony’s College, St Francis College, and St Mary’s College. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more exhilarating basketball action and fierce competition.

  • Sturge mum on Darryl Daniel’s removal as defence head

    Sturge mum on Darryl Daniel’s removal as defence head

    In a tense session of the House of Representatives on October 10, Defence Minister Wayne Sturge invoked standing order 27(g) to sidestep an urgent question from the opposition regarding the abrupt termination of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Darryl Daniel. The query, posed by Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales, sought clarity on the reasons behind Daniel’s removal, particularly in light of the ongoing state of emergency in Trinidad and Tobago. Sturge’s decision to decline answering, citing public interest, sparked a heated exchange among lawmakers. Gonzales, the opposition chief whip, emphasized the importance of parliamentary accountability, while House Leader Barry Padarath defended Sturge’s right to invoke the standing order. Speaker Jagdeo Singh noted that while the standing orders permit ministers to withhold information deemed contrary to public interest, they do not grant the Speaker authority to challenge such claims. The Ministry of Defence had earlier stated that President Christine Kangaloo revoked Daniel’s appointment on the advice of Sturge, following consultations with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The decision, described as the result of extensive deliberations, assured that the operational effectiveness of the defence force would remain unaffected. Daniel, who served as CDS since March 2019, was succeeded by Coast Guard Commander Captain Don Polo, the next most senior officer with two years left in service.

  • TTFA president Kieron Edwards appointed to Fifa Development Committee

    TTFA president Kieron Edwards appointed to Fifa Development Committee

    Kieron Edwards, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), has been appointed to FIFA’s Development Committee for the 2025-2029 term. This significant appointment was confirmed during a FIFA Council meeting on October 2, with the TTFA officially announcing the news on October 9. The FIFA Development Committee plays a crucial role in advising and supporting the FIFA Council on global football development strategies, including infrastructure projects, grassroots initiatives, and capacity-building efforts across member associations. Edwards’ appointment marks a notable achievement for Trinidad and Tobago’s football leadership on the international stage. Additionally, Roxanne Herbert, another Trinidadian official, was appointed to the FIFA Beach Soccer Committee. These appointments were part of a broader selection process involving FIFA’s 211 member associations and six confederations. Edwards, who was elected TTFA President in April 2024, expressed his honor at the appointment, emphasizing its significance for both his personal career and Trinidad and Tobago’s football development. He pledged to contribute meaningfully to global football discussions while ensuring that Trinidad and Tobago benefits from FIFA’s policies and programs. The TTFA congratulated Edwards on his prestigious appointment and expressed optimism about strengthening ties with FIFA and its member associations.

  • PM, Moonilal hail six month licence

    PM, Moonilal hail six month licence

    In a significant diplomatic and economic breakthrough, Trinidad and Tobago has secured a six-month Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) license to resume negotiations with Venezuela on the Dragon gas project. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal have both hailed this development as a testament to the government’s dedication and diplomatic efforts. Persad-Bissessar emphasized that the license, granted following her productive discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marks a fresh start for the project, which had been stalled for years. She highlighted the mutual benefits for Trinidad and Tobago, the US, and Venezuela, describing the agreement as a win for regional partnership, energy security, and economic growth. Moonilal, in a separate statement, pointed out that the previous OFAC license had been revoked under the former administration, costing taxpayers over $120 million. He refuted claims by former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley that the figure was $100 million. The renewed negotiations, facilitated by the OFAC license, aim to ensure that the project advances without breaching US sanctions, with specific terms in place to benefit all parties involved, including US companies and the people of Venezuela.

  • Illegal quarry boss, 17 employees charged after Manuel Congo raid

    Illegal quarry boss, 17 employees charged after Manuel Congo raid

    In a significant law enforcement operation, police have apprehended the owner of an illegal quarry in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, along with 17 employees, charging them with unlawful mineral processing without a license. The arrests, made on October 9, were part of a coordinated effort led by Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro and other senior officers, including Deputy Commissioner Natasha George and ACP Richard Smith. The suspects were charged under Section 45 of the Minerals Act and are set to appear in court on October 22. Each was granted $50,000 bail early on October 11. The operation targeted a site that had been under surveillance for over a year due to its involvement in illegal activities, including deforestation, unauthorized mineral extraction, and the financing of organized crime. Commissioner Guevarro commended the officers for their dedication and precision, emphasizing the TTPS’s commitment to safeguarding national resources and public safety. He urged citizens to support law enforcement in dismantling criminal networks. The site remains under police guard as investigations continue, with officers pursuing additional evidence and identifying further conspirators.

  • Presbyterian Board: Only Christian celebrations in our secondary schools

    Presbyterian Board: Only Christian celebrations in our secondary schools

    A recent decision by the Presbyterian Board of Education to restrict non-Christian religious observances in its secondary schools has ignited a heated debate, drawing criticism from prominent figures including former government minister Surujrattan Rambachan and ex-Naparima College teacher Jamwant Maharaj. The policy, outlined in a circular to administrators of five Presbyterian schools—Hillview College, Naparima College, Naparima Girls’ High School, Iere High School, and St Augustine Girls’ High School—states that only Presbyterian denominational celebrations, such as Easter and Christmas, will be permitted on school grounds. Other religious observances must be conducted in an educational format, with agendas reviewed by the Board beforehand. The circular emphasizes adherence to the Presbyterian Church’s ethos, prohibiting prayers or texts that diminish the sovereignty of Jesus Christ. The Board defended the policy, asserting that it aims to preserve the institution’s religious identity while fostering educational awareness of other faiths. However, critics argue that the move undermines religious freedom and cultural inclusivity. Rambachan questioned whether Hindu students’ rights to celebrate Divali were being curtailed, while Maharaj lamented the potential end of a 49-year tradition of cultural Divali celebrations at Naparima College. The Ministry of Education responded by acknowledging the Board’s position but stressed the importance of promoting tolerance and mutual respect in schools. The controversy highlights the delicate balance between religious identity and cultural diversity in educational institutions.

  • Trinidad and Tobago teams placed in pot two for 2026 Concacaf U-17 qualifiers

    Trinidad and Tobago teams placed in pot two for 2026 Concacaf U-17 qualifiers

    Trinidad and Tobago’s under-17 men’s and women’s football teams are set to embark on their respective journeys toward the 2026 Concacaf Under-17 World Cup qualifiers, with both teams placed in pot two for the upcoming draws. The women’s draw is scheduled for October 15, followed by the men’s draw on October 21, marking the beginning of their campaigns early next year. The women’s qualifiers will kick off on January 24, 2026, with 30 Concacaf member associations divided into six groups for round-robin matches. The top six group winners and two best second-placed teams will advance to the final round, joining the top-ranked teams: Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the United States. Matches will be hosted across Aruba, Bermuda, Curacao, and Nicaragua. Trinidad and Tobago’s women’s team, placed in pot two alongside Bermuda, Cuba, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Nicaragua, aim for a favorable draw to secure a spot in the youth World Cup in Morocco. Their previous campaign in the 2025 qualifiers saw them finish at the bottom of their group, which included El Salvador, Honduras, and the US. On the men’s side, the qualifiers will adopt a new format, with 34 teams split into eight groups for a single round of matches from February 3-12, 2026. The eight group winners will automatically qualify for the World Cup. Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s team, placed in pot two with Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Jamaica, Nicaragua, and Puerto Rico, will look to improve on their previous performance, where they narrowly missed qualification after a loss to Costa Rica in the final group match. The qualifiers will be held in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

  • Five overnight murders take weekly toll to 17

    Five overnight murders take weekly toll to 17

    Trinidad has been gripped by a wave of violent crimes, with five murders recorded overnight, including a double homicide in Valencia. This alarming spike in violence has pushed the monthly murder toll to 20, surpassing the 16 recorded during the same period last year. The annual count now stands at 292, compared to 490 in the previous year. The recent incidents have left communities in shock and raised concerns about public safety. The double murder in Valencia occurred at a bar along Valencia Old Road shortly after 1 am. Two men, Derrick Rowley, 26, and Shane Fulchan, 42, were shot dead by gunmen who stormed the establishment. Two others were injured but are reportedly in stable condition. In a separate incident, 73-year-old Stephen Lewis was fatally stabbed near the office of Arima MP Pennelope Beckles. Witnesses reported seeing an unidentified man and woman leaving Lewis’ home before he collapsed in a supermarket parking lot. Around the same time, 32-year-old Aledo Roberts was shot dead at his home in Wallerfield by a masked assailant. Earlier in the evening, 42-year-old Kurleigh Simon was gunned down in Maloney while walking with a relative and her 12-year-old son. The relative sustained a gunshot wound to her calf but survived. These tragic events highlight the urgent need for enhanced security measures and community intervention to curb the rising tide of violence.