Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Fix toilet, bench problem at City Gate

    Fix toilet, bench problem at City Gate

    A glaring deficiency in public amenities at two of Trinidad’s most frequented locations has triggered substantial public dismay, highlighting systemic infrastructure neglect. City Gate, Port of Spain’s primary transportation hub serving hundreds of daily commuters including schoolchildren, exhibits critically inadequate facilities with merely a single functional female toilet available for massive public use.

    The situation becomes particularly dire for vulnerable demographics including elderly citizens, pregnant women, and disabled individuals who find no wheelchair-accessible facilities. The absence of baby changing stations further compounds the problem, denying mothers basic infant care infrastructure.

    Parallel deficiencies plague the Queen’s Park Savannah food court, another popular public gathering spot. During a December 13 visit, the author experienced firsthand the embarrassing reality of insufficient sanitation facilities. Despite the area’s popularity among food vendors and visitors, only one toilet exists which frequently remains locked during operational hours.

    The infrastructure crisis extends beyond sanitation to include inadequate seating arrangements. City Gate suffers from insufficient benches for commuters awaiting PTSC bus services, despite known reliability issues with public transportation.

    Critical questions emerge regarding compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OHSA) regulations, particularly concerning clean water availability and overall facility maintenance. While authorities cite concerns about socially displaced persons misusing facilities, the solution of hiring security personnel remains unimplemented.

    The author’s frustration reflects broader public sentiment toward perceived stagnation in societal development, with comparisons to ‘banana republic’ conditions and ‘caveman era’ infrastructure. As 2025 progresses, citizens demand urgent modernization of public facilities across Trinidad’s popular gathering points, calling for immediate action from relevant ministries and administrative bodies.

  • 3×3 GENESIS basketball tournament begins in Arima

    3×3 GENESIS basketball tournament begins in Arima

    The Princess Royal Basketball Court in Arima is set to host the third annual GENESIS 3X3 Under-18 Men’s Basketball Series commencing December 20, featuring over 30 young athletes competing in the dynamic format of 3×3 basketball. Organized by the New Chapter Global Sport Academy (NCA), the tournament represents a strategic initiative to develop Trinidad and Tobago’s future basketball talent.

    Following the established format of previous editions, the competition features eight teams internally drafted from NCA’s Under-18 talent pool during a selection process held on December 18. The teams, including The Ark Builders, The Chosen Few, and The Gideon Warriors among others, underwent intensive 3×3 match preparation on December 19 ahead of the competitive tip-off.

    This initiative serves as a cornerstone of NCA’s long-term strategy to bolster Trinidad and Tobago’s presence on the international 3×3 basketball stage. The academy’s media release emphasized that sustained, age-specific competition is crucial for improving the nation’s future qualification prospects for premier global tournaments. This focus comes in the wake of Trinidad and Tobago’s single qualification for the FIBA 3X3 Under-18 World Cup in Debrecen, Hungary, back in 2022.

    The NCA has reaffirmed its commitment to mounting a significant push for qualification for the marquee youth tournament starting with the 2026 edition. The GENESIS series forms part of the academy’s expanding 3×3 program portfolio, specifically designed to provide young athletes with meaningful competitive exposure, repetitive high-level experience, and a clear developmental pathway toward international competition.

    The complete team rosters for the 2024 GENESIS tournament are: The Ark Builders (Marek Bengochea, Lance Crouch, Zion Roberts, Shemuel Welsh), The Chosen Few (Samuel Edwards, Jervais Edwards-Caracciolo, Matthias Phillips, Kai Sunich), The Gideon Warriors (Raiden Charles, Dillon Harrington, Iseyah Jobe, James Saul), The Lions of Judah (Alexie Alexis, Josiah Drayton, Jayden Forbes, Nhyim Pierre), The Mighty Men (Taalib Daniel, Tishad Gamero, Micah Pemberton, Jaden Russell), The Sent Ones (Josiah John-Andrew, Gabriel Goden, Xavier Jack, Jacob Knutt), The Sons of Isaac (Elijah Bruce, Jurell Charles, Zayden Charles, Nikholai Cunin), and The Watchmen (Kymani Herbert, Ranaan Howard, Edgar Torcatty, Antonio Vasquez).

  • Inside CWI’s crisis of credibility

    Inside CWI’s crisis of credibility

    Cricket West Indies (CWI), the historic governing body of Caribbean cricket, is confronting severe allegations of deteriorating governance standards that critics describe as an “incestuous oligarchy.” The organization, once celebrated for its cricketing excellence, now faces mounting scrutiny over its executive dysfunction and problematic power distribution structures.

    The core issues stem from CWI’s convoluted governance framework, which appears heavily influenced by political connections, competing obligations, and a conspicuous absence of accountability. This complex web of public funding, political ties, and administrative loyalties has created an environment where genuine oversight is notably lacking. The deteriorating situation has triggered eroding confidence among key stakeholders: fans report feeling increasingly alienated, sponsors express uncertainty about their investments, and regional governments demonstrate visible frustration.

    Despite repeated calls for enhanced conflict-of-interest policies, minimal substantive changes have materialized. Insiders acknowledge difficulty locating properly articulated safeguards within CWI’s constitutional documents or legal frameworks. Current leadership maintains that their internal controls have “matured” and that governance standards rival global sports organizations, but these assertions contrast sharply with ongoing controversies and diminishing public trust.

    An important structural nuance often overlooked in the debate is the CWI president’s role as a non-executive position. Daily operations theoretically fall under the CEO and management team’s jurisdiction, not subject to presidential “whims and fancies.” Financial and strategic committees were specifically designed to distribute authority appropriately. However, the perceived overlap of responsibilities—particularly the president chairing key committees—continues to blur lines between diligent oversight and disproportionate dominance.

    While defenders attribute concerns to misconceptions, governance experts emphasize that perception frequently carries equal weight to reality in institutional trust. The apparent existence of competing loyalties, especially involving political figures or public officials, fundamentally undermines confidence in impartial decision-making. The principle that the president “must act solely in the interests of West Indies cricket” becomes challenging to reconcile with external national or political obligations.

    The organization now faces a critical juncture as the current president announces his decision not to seek re-election. The board must determine whether to accept this stance quietly or demand a more definitive separation. Should this leadership vacuum become a breeding ground for speculation, both structural and reputational damage may intensify.

    West Indies cricket requires governance that inspires stability rather than suspicion—modern stewardship guided by transparency, competence, and collective vision rather than insularity or political influences. Until substantive reforms occur, the echoes of institutional decline threaten to overwhelm the legendary roar of Caribbean cricket.

  • Nomination Day over – Fight for Tobago truly underway

    Nomination Day over – Fight for Tobago truly underway

    The political contest for control of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) officially commenced on Friday as candidates from the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) successfully submitted their nomination documents at the Glamorgan Multipurpose Facility.

    Chief Secretary and TPP political leader Farley Augustine expressed satisfaction with the efficient nomination process, describing it as thoroughly organized. ‘All prospective candidates underwent a preparatory session with the Election and Boundaries Commission (EBC) last week,’ Augustine revealed. ‘This preliminary review ensured all documentation was properly certified and helped alleviate any pre-filing apprehensions.’

    Augustine, who filed his nomination for the Parlatuvier/L’Anse Fourmi/Speyside electoral district, conveyed strong confidence in his party’s electoral prospects. The TPP has implemented strategic measures by pairing candidates with experienced campaign managers and election agents to optimize their electoral performance.

    Addressing voter participation expectations, Augustine projected significantly higher turnout rates compared to April’s general elections. ‘Tobagonians demonstrate greater engagement in THA elections because the assembly directly impacts their daily lives—from road maintenance and healthcare to educational services and social support systems,’ he explained.

    When questioned about governance challenges during his administration’s tenure, Augustine acknowledged difficulties but emphasized his team’s resilience. ‘We faced numerous tests of our capabilities, but our consistent stability throughout these challenges demonstrates the strength of Tobago’s leadership,’ he stated.

    The TPP’s complete candidate roster includes fifteen contenders across various electoral districts, with the critical assembly election scheduled for January 12, which will determine Tobago’s governance for the forthcoming four-year term.

  • Griffith defends US, slams Venezuela:‘Some people love Caracas more than Maracas’

    Griffith defends US, slams Venezuela:‘Some people love Caracas more than Maracas’

    In a striking intervention into regional geopolitics, former Trinidad and Tobago Police Commissioner Gary Griffith has issued a forceful call for national defense strengthening while offering a robust defense of United States positioning in escalating tensions with Venezuela.

    The retired official, who previously served as both National Security Minister and security advisor, delivered his assessment through a December 19th Facebook video address. Griffith framed the current situation as one where Venezuela, unable to directly confront the United States, is instead targeting smaller neighboring nations like Trinidad and Tobago through intimidation tactics.

    ‘Let’s be unequivocal: Trinidad and Tobago has not threatened Venezuela. The United States has,’ stated Griffith, drawing an analogy to boxing weight classes. ‘This represents the geopolitical equivalent of a heavyweight boxer striking a middleweight, and that middleweight, too intimidated to respond to the heavyweight, subsequently turns to threaten a lightweight who never attacked him.’

    Griffith systematically addressed several claims advanced by Venezuelan officials, including allegations that Trinidad serves as a operational base for destabilizing Venezuela, facilitates U.S. military activities, and participated in the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker. He contextualized these developments within historical patterns, noting that territorial claims frequently precede concrete actions.

    The former security chief referenced Venezuela’s previous declaration of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as persona non grata and termination of bilateral gas agreements as evidence of escalating tensions. He characterized Venezuela’s recent warning to Trinidad regarding potential U.S. actions as ‘perhaps the most reckless statement yet.’

    Griffith advocated for immediate high-level diplomatic engagement with the United States explicitly focused on safeguarding Trinidad’s security interests. His recommendations encompassed substantial military enhancements including helicopter acquisitions for the Air Guard, armed and surveillance drone capabilities, and modernization of Coast Guard vessels allegedly neglected by previous administrations.

    The proposed defense package additionally includes surface-to-air missile systems, establishment of a national operational war room, and support for expanded defense force recruitment. Griffith emphasized the necessity of strategic planning to manage illegal immigration flows while warning that delayed action could prove catastrophic.

    He concluded with an urgent appeal for national unity, asserting that without United States support, Trinidad would face severe limitations in defending itself against potential aggression.

  • PNM, IDA candidates file papers

    PNM, IDA candidates file papers

    Political factions in Tobago have formally initiated their campaigns for the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections scheduled for January 12. The nomination process unfolded smoothly across multiple venues on Friday, setting the stage for a highly contested political battle.

    Ancil Dennis, Political Leader of the PNM Tobago Council and candidate for Buccoo/Mt Pleasant, expressed unwavering confidence in his party’s prospects. Following the submission of his nomination papers at the Buccoo Multipurpose Centre, Dennis declared that the Progressive National Movement (PNM) anticipates reclaiming governance. He launched a sharp critique against the incumbent Tobago People’s Party (TPP), alleging significant regression across all developmental sectors during their four-year tenure. “Every sector in Tobago has gone backwards significantly – tourism, agriculture, construction – you name it. I believe the people of Tobago would make the right decision, which is a change,” Dennis asserted.

    The PNM’s campaign received bolstering support from party stalwart Pennelope Beckles, who emphasized the party’s positive energy and expectation of victory. Beckles highlighted the strength of the PNM’s candidate roster, which includes Dexter Miller (Bagatelle/Bacolet), Carl McEwen (Belle Garden/Glamorgan), and Karyn Forbes (Plymouth/Black Rock) among others.

    Simultaneously, at the Calder Hall Multipurpose Facility, the Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA) completed its nomination process with equal optimism. Political Leader Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus praised the Election and Boundaries Commission (EBC) for their professional handling of the application procedure, awarding them perfect marks for efficiency. The IDA is contesting with eleven candidates across various electoral districts, including Tsoiafatt-Angus herself in Scarborough/Mt Grace, Stacy Herbert in Buccoo/Mt Pleasant, and Mauricia Douglas in Signal Hill/Patience Hill.

    The convergence of these political activities signals Tobago’s readiness for a transformative electoral process that will determine the island’s administrative direction for the coming term.

  • Heightened Christmas shopping in southern city

    Heightened Christmas shopping in southern city

    San Fernando witnessed a remarkable surge in pre-Christmas commercial activity on December 19th as bustling crowds and congested vehicular traffic enveloped the city’s primary commercial corridors. High Street, St James Street, and Mucurapo Street transformed into vibrant hubs of seasonal commerce, marking the peak of holiday shopping enthusiasm.

    Kiran Singh, President of the Greater San Fernando Area Chamber of Commerce, expressed considerable satisfaction with the commercial turnout, observing a consistent escalation in shopper volume throughout the week. “While serious shopping commenced on Monday, today has demonstrated the highest concentration of shoppers,” Singh remarked, attributing the increased activity to post-school closures on December 12th and subsequent salary disbursements.

    The commercial landscape featured extensive vendor participation complemented by visible police patrols under the supervision of Snr Supt Cecil Santana, implementing proactive security measures to regulate traffic flow and prevent criminal incidents. With five remaining shopping days preceding Christmas, city merchants anticipate sustained commercial momentum leading to a robust seasonal conclusion.

    Retail establishments are projected to maintain extended operating hours until approximately 7-8 PM through Christmas Eve, with select stores planning Boxing Day operations to capitalize on traditional post-holiday sales. The cosmetology sector similarly prepares for expanded service hours, offering seasonal treatments including manicures and pedicures to meet elevated consumer demand.

    Shoppers demonstrated targeted purchasing behavior, with numerous consumers acquiring toys from Jay’s Toy Box on St James Street alongside household items and curtains. The Carlton Centre enhanced the festive atmosphere through live parang performances by 1990 The Band featuring Alana Fuentes, providing musical entertainment that enriched the holiday shopping experience.

    Singh reinforced consumer confidence by emphasizing San Fernando’s historical safety record, assuring continued security throughout the holiday period while encouraging sustained commercial participation.

  • OWTU stands up for PriceSmart cashiers – ‘give them chairs’

    OWTU stands up for PriceSmart cashiers – ‘give them chairs’

    PORT OF SPAIN – In a remarkable display of labor advocacy, Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) members staged protests outside PriceSmart’s Trinidad outlets on December 19, demanding basic seating accommodations for cashiers rather than traditional wage-related benefits. The demonstration highlighted a 15-year unresolved struggle that has left over 100 local cashiers standing throughout their eight-hour shifts while their counterparts in Jamaica and Barbados enjoy seated positions.

    Union officials presented disturbing health implications stemming from the prolonged standing requirement. Second Vice President Reesa Ramlogan-Jodha detailed numerous cases of chronic back pain, varicose veins, and even pregnancy complications among cashiers. “Having to leave the workplace in pain should not be required as evidence of a productive day,” she asserted, emphasizing concerns about long-term mobility issues that could force workers to “be walking around with sticks” in their senior years.

    The conflict has now reached Trinidad’s Industrial Court as an official trade dispute, though progress remains stalled. First Vice President Sati Gajadhar-Inniss revealed that PriceSmart has failed to submit required evidence or arguments, pushing the next potential hearing to March 2026. The company maintains that without specific legislation mandating seating, no obligation exists to provide such accommodations.

    PriceSmart’s corporate stance suggests seating might interfere with cashiers’ ability to handle merchandise—a position the union characterizes as lacking compassion. Ramlogan-Jodha countered, “The issue of seating should not be a matter of law. It is a matter of choice and all it calls for is some heart.”

    This labor dispute emerges against the backdrop of PriceSmart’s substantial financial success. The American retailer reported $1 billion in fourth-quarter revenue for fiscal 2025 with $31.5 million net income, culminating in annual revenues approaching $5.27 billion. The company continues expanding its global footprint of 56 warehouse clubs, recently acquiring properties in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic for new locations set to open in mid-2026.

    OWTU officials plan to extend their advocacy campaign to all PriceSmart branches across Trinidad. Meanwhile, attempts by Newsday to obtain comments from PriceSmart’s human resources and industrial relations departments on December 19 proved unsuccessful, with managers at multiple locations declining to address the concerns.

  • Beckles accuses PM reducing national security to ‘political theatre’

    Beckles accuses PM reducing national security to ‘political theatre’

    Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has launched a scathing critique against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration, accusing the government of transforming Trinidad and Tobago’s national security into political theater. The focal point of contention revolves around the controversial installation of a US military radar system at Tobago’s ANR Robinson International Airport and broader US-Trinidad security cooperation matters.

    In a strongly-worded video statement, Beckles emphasized that national security must transcend political maneuvering, asserting that citizens deserve transparent explanations regarding foreign military installations on sovereign territory. While acknowledging that certain security matters require confidentiality, she maintained that the current administration has created unacceptable opacity around critical defense decisions.

    The controversy erupted when Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar initially concealed, then subsequently disclosed the radar’s establishment between November 26-28. The PM justified the deployment as enhancing surveillance capabilities against narco-traffickers in territorial waters. However, Beckles revealed that the radar manufacturer contradicted this narrative, confirming the G/ATOR system is designed for aerial threat detection—not maritime surveillance—capable of identifying unmanned systems, cruise missiles, and artillery.

    Further complicating matters, Persad-Bissessar credited the radar with assisting a major drug bust involving $171 million worth of marijuana, despite the system’s technical specifications not aligning with this claimed functionality. The Prime Minister additionally suggested that criticizing US military presence might incur negative consequences for Trinidadian citizens.

    The radar deployment mirrors similar US initiatives in the region, including August approaches to Grenada regarding Maurice Bishop International Airport. Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has proceeded cautiously with US deadlines, contrasting with Trinidad’s apparent rapid compliance.

    Beckles condemned the government’s inconsistent explanations as undermining public trust and national sovereignty, emphasizing that proper security management requires competence and honesty rather than political performance.

  • Bleak Xmas for NCRHA security officers

    Bleak Xmas for NCRHA security officers

    Security personnel employed by Safety Investigations Security Services, contracted by Trinidad’s North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA), are confronting severe financial hardship as Christmas approaches, with many reporting unpaid wages since September. The crisis emerges from a protracted financial dispute between the security firm and the healthcare authority, creating a cascading effect on frontline workers.

    According to a senior operations officer who spoke with Newsday on December 19, the NCRHA’s failure to settle outstanding payments for contracted services has left the security company without sufficient funds to compensate its employees. This financial deadlock has forced workers to make painful sacrifices during the holiday season.

    One female officer, requesting anonymity due to fears of victimization, revealed the personal toll: “I haven’t purchased Christmas gifts for my children, and with the holiday less than a week away, I must borrow money simply to buy groceries.” Another employee confirmed seeking alternative employment amid the uncertainty.

    Company representatives acknowledged the distress while emphasizing their limited control over the situation. “We understand their frustration, but until we receive payment, we cannot pay them,” one official stated. An accountant within the organization noted efforts to resolve the issue before Christmas but could provide no guarantees, citing complete dependence on government disbursements.

    The security company representatives detailed a pattern of chronic underpayment, explaining that even before the recent government transition, payments were consistently delayed. When partial payments arrived, they typically represented merely five percent of invoiced amounts. “When we received a payment last month, we immediately distributed it to staff,” a representative emphasized.

    NCRHA chairman Dr. Tim Gopeesingh attributed the crisis to what he characterized as years of financial mismanagement predating his administration. He revealed the authority inherited debts totaling $321 million owed to 521 service providers. While the current board has reduced this number to approximately 100 suppliers through structured repayments approved by the Ministry of Health, significant challenges remain.

    Gopeesingh identified systemic procurement irregularities as the core issue, uncovering security companies operating without formal contracts for 18 years and cleaning services functioning without contracts since 2017. These services cost the authority approximately $32 million and $44 million annually respectively, without proper documentation.

    “We cannot authorize payments without valid contracts and verification of delivered services,” Gopeesingh stated. “To do otherwise would constitute financial negligence.” The NCRHA is now strictly adhering to procurement legislation and considering an external professional audit to investigate historical spending practices that diverted resources from patient care. Criminal investigations remain possible as enquiries continue.