Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Windies bowled out for 167 as Kiwis open up healthy lead

    Windies bowled out for 167 as Kiwis open up healthy lead

    New Zealand firmly grasped control of the first Test against the West Indies at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, capitalizing on a dramatic batting collapse by the visitors on Day 2. The Black Caps concluded the day with a commanding 96-run lead, finishing at 32 without loss in their second innings after bowling out the West Indies for a meager 167.

    The day’s play witnessed a flurry of 11 wickets, beginning with the early dismissal of New Zealand’s Zakary Foulkes by West Indies pacer Jayden Seales (2/44), which ended the hosts’ first innings at 231. The Caribbean response began disastrously as opener John Campbell fell for just one run in the second over, followed quickly by Alick Athanaze (4), leaving the visitors reeling at 10/2.

    A semblance of recovery emerged through a 90-run partnership between Shai Hope, who played aggressively for his 56 off 107 balls, and the patient Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who ground out 52 from 169 deliveries. However, the match turned decisively just before tea when Hope was dismissed via review after gloving a Jacob Duffy delivery to wicketkeeper Tom Latham. The collapse accelerated as captain Roston Chase and Justin Greaves both fell for ducks to Matt Henry (3/43) in a single over.

    The post-tea session belonged to Jacob Duffy, who scripted a memorable performance by claiming the final four West Indies wickets—including Tevin Imlach, Jayden Seales, Johann Layne, and Ojay Shields—to complete his maiden five-wicket haul (5/34) in just his second Test match. Chanderpaul’s resilient knock ended with a spectacular one-handed catch by Devon Conway at square leg.

    With a substantial 64-run first-innings lead, New Zealand’s openers Conway (15*) and Latham (14*) navigated the final overs without loss, positioning their team favorably heading into Day 3.

  • Cycling clubs request High Court intervention

    Cycling clubs request High Court intervention

    Two prominent Trinidad and Tobago cycling clubs have initiated urgent legal proceedings against the national cycling federation regarding athlete selection protocols for the upcoming 2026 Pan American Track Cycling Championships. The JLD Cycling Academy and Heatwave Cycling Club, represented by sports attorney Dr. Emir Crowne, filed a comprehensive 198-page legal submission to the High Court on December 1 seeking immediate intervention.

    The core dispute centers on the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation’s (TTCF) decision to conduct mandatory selection trials on January 17, 2026—just four weeks before the February championships in Chile. The clubs contend this scheduling directly violates the federation’s established selection policy, which explicitly requires trials to be held at least twelve weeks prior to international competitions.

    According to the legal filing, the clubs allege multiple procedural violations by the TTCF leadership. The federation executive reportedly ratified the January trial date during an emergency council meeting without following proper governance procedures, which the plaintiffs characterize as an abuse of power. The clubs further argue that the TTCF had been aware since June 2025 of the Pan Am Championships’ rescheduling to February yet failed to adjust the domestic racing calendar accordingly.

    The controversial trial timing poses particular concern for internationally ranked athletes like world number 23 Alexi Costa-Ramirez, who formally expressed concerns to the TTCF that the schedule disruption could jeopardize preparation cycles and competitive performance. Costa-Ramirez and other elite riders advocate for discretionary selection based on objective criteria including world rankings and recent competitive results rather than what they term ‘impromptu trials.’

    The TTCF has mounted a robust defense against these allegations. The federation maintains that the January trial date received unanimous approval during a September 2025 planning meeting attended by all member clubs, including the claimants. This decision was subsequently confirmed during a November emergency meeting where all clubs exercised voting rights. The federation’s legal representative, attorney Zelica Haynes-Soo Hon, emphasizes that trials remain mandatory unless a National Championship has occurred within three months of the international event, with discretionary selection only permissible when no rider qualifies through formal trials.

    With both parties at an impasse, the High Court now faces the task of determining whether the federation violated its own regulations and the legitimate expectations of its member clubs and athletes.

  • 24/7 service at St Joseph Health Centre

    24/7 service at St Joseph Health Centre

    In a transformative move for Trinidad’s healthcare landscape, the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) has implemented round-the-clock general practice services at the St Joseph Enhanced Health Centre effective December 1st. This strategic expansion represents a significant advancement in making primary healthcare accessible beyond conventional operating hours.

    The initiative, unveiled through an official December 3rd announcement, aims to substantially alleviate patient overload at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC). Health authorities emphasize that this 24/7 operational model will particularly benefit working families and caregivers who previously struggled to access medical services during standard business hours.

    According to the NCRHA, patients can anticipate enhanced convenience, minimized treatment delays, and considerably reduced waiting times. The round-the-clock availability is projected to create systemic improvements across the healthcare network by redirecting non-emergency cases from the Accident and Emergency Department at Mt Hope to the St Joseph facility for prompt attention.

    This development occurs under the guidance of Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe and newly appointed NCRHA chairman Dr. Tim Gopeesingh, who stated: “By extending our hours, we aim to make high-quality healthcare more accessible to every citizen. This service reflects our commitment to strengthening primary care while ensuring people receive appropriate medical attention when they need it most.”

    The St Joseph Enhanced Health Centre will maintain its walk-in general practice services for diverse medical conditions, aligning with the NCRHA’s comprehensive strategy to modernize and expand primary healthcare infrastructure throughout the region.

  • UTT Patriots into FISU America Football World Cup qualifiers

    UTT Patriots into FISU America Football World Cup qualifiers

    The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) Patriots men’s football team has achieved a spectacular double victory, culminating their outstanding Tertiary Sport Association of TT (TSATT) season with both league and knockout titles. On November 24, the Clayton Morris-coached squad delivered a commanding 5-1 performance against USC Hummers at the UTT O’Meara Campus to claim the TSATT knockout championship.

    This decisive victory secured the team’s qualification for the prestigious International University Sports Federation (FISU) America Football World Cup qualifiers, scheduled for July 2026 in Peru. The Patriots will join their female counterparts, who also earned qualification, representing UTT on the international stage.

    The path to the final showcased the team’s resilience when they overcame UWI in a dramatic penalty shootout on November 20. After battling to a 1-1 draw in regulation time, UTT emerged victorious with a 4-2 penalty triumph. The final match saw the team operating at peak performance, with Andre Alfred delivering an exceptional hat-trick and Tyrone Rago contributing a brace to secure the comprehensive victory.

    This marks the second appearance for the UTT men’s team in the FISU America qualifiers, following their participation in the 2022 edition hosted in Mexico. Meanwhile, the women’s team prepares for their third qualification campaign, having previously competed in both the 2022 and 2024 tournaments.

    In an official statement, UTT expressed pride in their athletes’ accomplishments: “UTT is proud to celebrate the achievements of its men’s football team and wishes them continued success in upcoming endeavours.” The university community now looks forward to supporting both teams as they prepare to represent Trinidad and Tobago in international competition.

  • Griffith: Impossible for Farley to be on National Security Council

    Griffith: Impossible for Farley to be on National Security Council

    Former National Security Minister Gary Griffith has firmly opposed Tobago Chief Secretary Farley Augustine’s proposal to join Trinidad and Tobago’s National Security Council (NSC), citing constitutional and procedural constraints. The controversy emerged following Augustine’s call for Tobago representation during a Tobago People’s Party rally on December 1st, specifically referencing the recent installation of a US military radar at Arthur NR International Airport.

    Griffith, who served as both national security minister and adviser during Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s first administration, explained that Trinidad and Tobago’s parliamentary system strictly follows the British model regarding NSC composition. “The NSC is a cabinet committee,” Griffith emphasized. “To be a member, you must first be a member of cabinet, which requires being both a parliamentarian in the lower house and a government minister simultaneously.”

    The former police commissioner detailed that even junior ministers designated as “minister in the ministry of” cannot join cabinet meetings, making them ineligible for NSC participation. He noted that only select cabinet members typically join the security council, with the prime minister serving as permanent chair alongside automatic members like the attorney general and national security minister.

    Griffith addressed concerns about the radar installation by suggesting alternative participation methods: “If there’s a specific agenda item pertaining to Tobago’s security, the chief secretary could be invited as a guest for that particular discussion.” He warned that granting Augustine’s request would set a problematic precedent where every minister could demand NSC access based on portfolio-related security concerns.

    The political context remains complex, as no formal coalition exists between the ruling UNC and Augustine’s TPP, though two TPP MPs occupy government-aligned seats in parliament without holding ministerial positions.

  • Dominant St Joseph’s Convent cruise to north zone intercol crown

    Dominant St Joseph’s Convent cruise to north zone intercol crown

    St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain (SJCPoS) delivered a breathtaking performance on December 3, securing the 2025 north zone championship with an emphatic 7-0 victory against Holy Name Convent at Hasely Crawford Stadium. The commanding win propels SJCPoS into the national intercol semifinals as they pursue consecutive Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Coca-Cola girls’ titles.

    The match transformed into a showcase of offensive brilliance as national team defender Kaitlyn Darwent transitioned to midfield duties, contributing two goals while earning Player of the Match honors. The 17-year-old captain, fresh from representing Trinidad and Tobago in their Concacaf W Qualifiers triumph over Barbados days earlier, demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical prowess throughout the encounter.

    SJCPoS established overwhelming dominance early, netting five goals within the first 34 minutes. Sydney Pollard initiated the scoring barrage in the 12th minute, followed by Darwent’s first strike four minutes later. Kara Cooper then delivered a rapid brace with goals in the 27th and 31st minutes, before Scarlett Cole extended the advantage to 5-0 before halftime.

    Despite resilient goalkeeping from Holy Name’s Sorcha Cumming in the second half, SJCPoS added two additional goals through Darwent (48th minute) and Pollard (76th minute) to complete the devastating result.

    The victory sets up a highly anticipated national semifinal clash against south zone champions Pleasantville Secondary—a rematch of last year’s dramatic final decided by penalties. Adding intrigue to the matchup, Pleasantville secured a Super Cup victory against SJCPoS earlier this season, establishing a compelling narrative of competitive rivalry.

    In the other semifinal pairing, east zone winners Five Rivers Secondary will confront Tobago champions Signal Hill Secondary, who earned their place with a 3-0 defeat of Bishop’s High School on the same day. Signal Hill’s victory featured goals from Leia-Marie Balfour, Alliyah Baptiste, and Shaquana Brown.

  • Out in South cancelled, promoters urge stadia ban reversal

    Out in South cancelled, promoters urge stadia ban reversal

    The Trinidad and Tobago Promoters Association (TTPA) has publicly denounced the government’s sudden prohibition on utilizing state-owned venues for Carnival 2026 festivities, characterizing the move as discriminatory and operationally disruptive. During a December 3 media briefing at One Woodbrook Place in Port of Spain, industry representatives revealed approximately 16 major events now face potential cancellation or relocation due to the policy shift.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar initially justified the restrictions last month citing noise pollution concerns near venues including Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) and Hasely Crawford Stadium. The annual Out in South fete, traditionally hosted at BLCA, has already been confirmed as a casualty of the new regulations.

    TTPA Vice President Asha Green emphasized the association seeks constructive consultation rather than legal confrontation, despite having received no response to their December 1 letter requesting policy reversal. Green outlined comprehensive noise-mitigation strategies proposed by promoters, including certified acoustic oversight, real-time sound monitoring, and strategic speaker placement—measures she noted often exceed state recommendations.

    The financial implications are substantial, with promoters anticipating multimillion-dollar losses. Event producer Adrian Chandler described an atmosphere of uncertainty, noting that even when venues became available, increased costs made them economically unfeasible for many stakeholders.

    Damian Baboolal, director at Spirit Mas and secretary of Naparima College’s Past Students Association, highlighted the disproportionate impact on southern Trinidad communities. He revealed the ban has effectively dismantled vital fundraising mechanisms for educational institutions, depriving schools of resources for underprivileged students and infrastructure improvements. Baboolal further alleged an unofficial government mandate prohibiting state agencies from sponsoring Carnival events, exacerbating the financial strain on cultural organizers.

    The association maintains that collaborative governance—exemplified by the successful relocation of Scorch’s First Jam event through cooperation with the National Carnival Commission—represents a more effective solution than outright bans for addressing community concerns while preserving Trinidad’s cultural heritage.

  • Nicholas Paul, Teniel Campbell adjudged cyclists of the year

    Nicholas Paul, Teniel Campbell adjudged cyclists of the year

    The Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF) celebrated its most accomplished international competitors during its annual awards ceremony on November 29 at the National Cycling Centre in Balmain, Couva. Sprint specialist Nicholas Paul and endurance cyclist Teniel Campbell received top honors as the federation’s 2025 most outstanding male and female international cyclists, respectively, following a year of remarkable achievements.

    Paul dominated the Pan American Track Cycling Championships in Paraguay last April, securing an impressive triple crown in the men’s team sprint, individual sprint, and 1km time trial events, while adding a silver medal in the keirin. Though he narrowly missed the podium at the World Championships with fourth and seventh place finishes in sprint and keirin events, Paul continued his winning streak with sprint gold at the Summer Slam in the United States in July. Most recently, he claimed keirin gold at the ongoing Bolivarian Games in Lima, Peru.

    Campbell demonstrated exceptional versatility throughout the 2025 season, capturing double gold in both the women’s individual time trial and road race at the Caribbean Elite Road Cycling Championships in Belize this October. Her Pan American performances included gold in the points race and bronze in the elimination race at the Track Championships, complemented by dual bronze medals in the time trial and road race at the Pan American Road Continental Championships in April. The elite cyclist also achieved second place at Belgium’s Grote Prijs Yvonne Reynders event in August and placed 23rd in a competitive field of 44 riders at the UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda.

    The ceremony also recognized emerging talent, with Campbell’s younger brother Akil receiving the President’s Cup for his promising performances across local, regional, and international circuits as a rising endurance specialist. Akil Campbell additionally claimed top honors for elite division one men, while Miami Blazers professional Alexi Costa-Ramirez earned the women’s equivalent.

    San Fernando-based Rigtech Sonics received the distinction of best club, with junior accolades awarded to Trishton Jaichan (PSL) and Cassidy Samaroo (Madonna Wheelers). The federation further celebrated developing talent across multiple age categories, from tinymites to masters divisions, highlighting the depth of Trinidad and Tobago’s cycling future.

  • Tancoo hits Imbert for finance bill complaints

    Tancoo hits Imbert for finance bill complaints

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has vehemently rejected allegations from former finance minister Colm Imbert regarding impending tax implementations. The controversy emerged as Parliament prepared to review the Finance Bill 2025 during its December 5 House session scheduled for 1:30 PM.

    Minister Tancoo characterized Imbert’s assertions as political theatrics, stating the bill’s circulation timeline complies entirely with parliamentary procedures that have been standard practice for over a decade. Through WhatsApp communications on December 3, Tancoo emphasized that finance bills routinely follow budget approvals to implement previously outlined policies.

    The minister accused the opposition of neglecting their parliamentary duties while he works extensively to address financial and administrative challenges inherited from the previous administration. Tancoo stressed the nation requires serious governance rather than complaints about legislative processes.

    Opposition MP Imbert had taken to social media platform X on December 5, claiming the government circulated a 44-page bill containing numerous new taxes including landlord taxes, electricity surcharges, a 20% National Insurance System rate increase, and enhanced fines alongside previously announced alcohol tax hikes.

    The 2025/2026 budget presented on October 13 projects $59.232 billion in expenditure against $55.367 billion revenue, creating a $3.865 billion deficit. This contrasts with the previous PNM government’s budget that showed a $5.517 billion deficit. Tancoo’s budget calculations assume oil at US$73.25/barrel and natural gas at US$4.25/mmbtu, slightly adjusted from last year’s energy price projections.

  • Lawful campaign to dismantle Maduro regime

    Lawful campaign to dismantle Maduro regime

    In a significant development in hemispheric security policy, the United States has intensified its naval operations targeting narcotics-trafficking vessels originating from Venezuela. This strategic shift, while drawing criticism from some United Nations voices, represents a legally defensible response to what experts characterize as state-sanctioned criminal operations threatening regional stability.

    The legal foundation for these maritime interdictions stems from extensive documentation revealing the transformation of Venezuela’s state apparatus under President Nicolás Maduro into a sophisticated narcotics enterprise. US Department of Justice indictments have formally charged Maduro and his inner circle with weaponizing the Venezuelan state apparatus for cocaine trafficking operations. When a government abandons its sovereign responsibility to combat illegal drugs and instead becomes the primary perpetrator, it forfeits the right to shield its activities behind sovereignty claims.

    For Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean nations positioned along critical trafficking corridors, this policy has direct implications for national security. The enhanced US naval presence, including the advanced capabilities of the USS Gerald R. Ford strike group, functions as a crucial force multiplier for regional law enforcement agencies. By disrupting supply chains at their source, these operations alleviate pressure on local Coast Guard units and police forces, directly contributing to community safety.

    The characterization of these measures as ‘extrajudicial killings’ fails to acknowledge the nature of the targets—dedicated maritime vessels operating as extensions of criminal enterprises rather than civilian crafts engaged in innocent passage. The inherent right of self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter extends to confronting persistent armed threats, including the relentless flow of cocaine that fuels widespread violence and public health crises across the hemisphere.

    This comprehensive campaign serves dual lawful purposes: protecting citizens while undermining the illicit financial networks sustaining an illegitimate regime. By directly targeting trafficking revenues that enrich Venezuelan military and security forces, the US applies legitimate pressure to create conditions conducive to democratic restoration. While diplomatic solutions remain preferable, the human cost of inaction—measured in lost lives and destabilized communities—makes this targeted approach both morally necessary and legally justified in addressing a clear and present danger to regional security.