Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Small conventional bands semis: Pan showdown on December 20

    Small conventional bands semis: Pan showdown on December 20

    Victoria Square in Port of Spain transforms into a vibrant battleground on December 20 as 31 elite small conventional steel orchestras compete for advancement in Trinidad and Tobago’s National Panorama competition. This preliminary showdown will determine which bands proceed to the grand finals scheduled for January 10, 2026, at Skinner Park in San Fernando.

    The musical festivities commence at 4 PM with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra, culminating with Nu Stars Steel Orchestra’s closing performance. Pan Trinbago president Beverly Ramsey-Moore characterized the 2026 Panorama opening as an electrifying demonstration of vibrancy and precision, describing small conventional bands as “the true engine of the steelpan movement.”

    Following rigorous regional adjudication between December 5-13, Southern Stars Steel Orchestra (D’South Band) emerged as the preliminary frontrunner with 272 points. Their arrangement of the late Merchant’s 1982 calypso “Let Us Build A Nation Together,” orchestrated by Duvone Stewart, secured a three-point advantage over joint second-place finishers Fascinators Pan Symphony and Uptown Fascinators Steel Orchestra.

    The defending 2025 co-champions face heightened competition this season. T&TEC New East Side Dimension tied for fourth position with Fusion Steel Orchestra and Defence Force Steel Orchestra at 269 points, while Golden Hands Steel Orchestra shared seventh place with Tunapuna Tipica and Arima Golden Symphony at 265 points.

    Despite these preliminary results, both champion arrangers have issued determined warnings to competitors. Tobago’s Kersh Ramsey of T&TEC New East Side Dimension declared: “We’re looking for a clear path to victory. Having won back-to-back in 2024 and 2025, we are going for the hat-trick in 2026.” His San Fernando counterpart, Vanessa Headley-Brewster of Golden Hands, remains equally resolved to retain their title despite time penalty setbacks.

    The competition unfolds against broader cultural significance, with Ramsey-Moore highlighting that Panorama has already engaged over 3,000 steelpan musicians across 94 bands, affirming Trinidad and Tobago’s status as the undisputed Mecca of the steelpan.

  • Experts: Tardieu’s abduction trauma could linger

    Experts: Tardieu’s abduction trauma could linger

    The recent abduction and subsequent release of 70-year-old Monos Island resident Derek Tardieu has exposed deep psychological wounds within both the victim and the broader community, highlighting the complex trauma associated with violent crime. While Tardieu was freed on December 17 after nearly two weeks in captivity, his wife Clarabelle, 47, remains missing—a circumstance experts say compounds the emotional devastation.

    Psychological experts are now detailing the severe impact such traumatic events inflict on survivors. Psychologist Kelly McFarlane explains that kidnapping typically triggers acute stress responses, potential PTSD development, survivor’s guilt, and depression. ‘Trauma manifests as shock and numbness, with difficulty processing the event,’ McFarlane stated in a December 18 interview. Victims frequently experience nightmares, insomnia, and hyper-arousal, where mundane sensory cues can trigger intense anxiety.

    The Tardieu case involved particularly harrowing circumstances, with abductors sending relatives a video showing the couple held at gunpoint with a grenade pressed against Tardieu’s chest. The kidnappers demanded a $2.5 million ransom, though it remains unclear whether payment was made.

    McFarlane emphasized that survivor’s guilt presents a significant hurdle in emotional recovery, particularly given Clarabelle’s continued captivity. ‘This creates a deep emotional conflict between relief and sadness,’ she noted, adding that unaddressed trauma can evolve into chronic PTSD characterized by intrusive memories, flashbacks, and avoidance behaviors.

    Attorney Lesley-Ann Lucky-Samaroo, SC, confirmed Tardieu’s release in a December 17 statement, indicating he was ‘seeking medical attention and care’ while the family requested privacy.

    The psychological impact extends beyond individual victims to affect entire communities. Psychiatrist Dr. Varma Deyalsingh observes that the brazen nature of this abduction has amplified collective feelings of fear, anxiety, and helplessness. ‘When senior citizens can be abducted, the nation questions its own safety,’ Deyalsingh explained, noting that such incidents can lead to changed behaviors, increased vigilance, and diminished trust in public safety measures.

    Both experts stress the importance of respectful recovery environments. McFarlane cautioned against media overexposure, noting that sensational coverage can re-traumatize victims. She advocated for respecting boundaries, allowing time for healing, and monitoring for signs of ongoing distress including withdrawal, sleep disturbances, and depression.

    Deyalsingh highlighted the role of law enforcement leadership in restoring public confidence, specifically mentioning Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro’s international security background. However, he noted that true security restoration requires coordinated efforts across law enforcement, judicial systems, and community support networks.

    As the Tardieu family grapples with ongoing uncertainty, experts recommend balanced vigilance without succumbing to fear, emphasizing empathy and support for those directly affected while maintaining normal daily routines.

  • SLS: Motto’s love song to riddim

    SLS: Motto’s love song to riddim

    St. Lucian musician Lashley ‘Motto’ Winter is positioning groovy soca as the Caribbean’s most viable export for achieving sustained international recognition. For the upcoming 2026 Carnival season, the established singer, songwriter, and producer has crafted the ‘SLS (Soca Love Story)’ riddim, a production deeply inspired by the musical traditions of Laventille’s rhythmic sections and Trinidad’s tassa culture.

    Winter’s artistic perspective is shaped by his St. Lucian heritage, French Antillean influences, and extensive experience within Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival scene. He argues that while the region produces multiple soca subgenres—from St. Lucia’s Dennery Segment to Dominica’s bouyon—the melodic and accessible nature of groovy soca holds the greatest potential for worldwide appeal. He notes its rhythmic similarities to already-globalized genres like Afrobeats and reggaeton, suggesting this familiarity could ease its acceptance by international audiences.

    The artist points to the successful crossover attempts of icons like Machel Montano and recent collaborations, such as Yung Bredda’s work with Chloe Bailey, as critical steps toward mainstream acceptance. Motto’s own strategy involves strategic partnerships with American artists; his recent single ‘Ego’ featuring Sean Kingston exemplifies this targeted approach to gaining exposure in the lucrative U.S. and European markets.

    However, Winter emphasizes that authenticity is paramount. His goal is not to abandon soca for pop but to intelligently introduce the genre’s core sound to new listeners through established international platforms. Based in Miami, he is actively working to position himself within the American music industry while staying true to his Caribbean roots.

    Looking ahead to Carnival 2026, Motto expressed hope for a successful season and urged a swift resolution to the ongoing impasse between the government and promoters’ association, noting that such stability is crucial for the international perception and commercial viability of the event.

  • Windies openers start brightly after Black Caps post 575 in 1st innings

    Windies openers start brightly after Black Caps post 575 in 1st innings

    In a display of resilient batting, West Indies openers Brandon King and John Campbell provided a much-needed response for their team on day two of the third Test against New Zealand at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. The Caribbean duo remained unbeaten with 55 and 45 runs respectively, guiding their team to 110 without loss at stumps on December 19.

    This strong opening stand came after New Zealand declared their first innings at a formidable 575 for eight, having dominated the crease for nearly two full days. The hosts’ innings was highlighted by Devon Conway’s magnificent 227 runs from 367 deliveries, marking his second double-century in Test cricket. Conway’s marathon innings finally ended when he was trapped lbw by Justin Greaves, who led the West Indies bowling attack with figures of two for 83.

    New Zealand’s batting lineup demonstrated depth and consistency throughout their innings. Captain Tom Latham contributed a solid 137 runs, while Rachin Ravindra remained not out on 72. The Black Caps’ lower order showed aggressive intent before the declaration, with Ajaz Patel contributing a quickfire 30 from just 30 balls.

    Despite New Zealand’s commanding position with a 465-run lead, the West Indies opening partnership provided hope for the visitors. The Jamaican pair combined for 16 boundaries in just 23 overs, offering the first substantial resistance from the Caribbean side in the match. Their unbroken century stand gives West Indies a foundation to build upon when play resumes, though they face the considerable challenge of overcoming New Zealand’s massive total amid the absence of white-ball captain Shai Hope, who missed the day’s play due to illness.

  • High Court dismisses activist’s challenge over denied request to burn police flag

    High Court dismisses activist’s challenge over denied request to burn police flag

    In a significant ruling addressing the balance between protest rights and public safety, High Court Justice Kevin Ramcharan has dismissed activist Umar Abdullah’s legal challenge against former Police Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher’s decision to prohibit the burning of a replica police flag during a 2023 protest.

    The court determined that the Commissioner’s restriction constituted a lawful and proportionate measure under the Summary Offences Act, specifically designed to prevent potential breaches of peace and public disorder. While approving Abdullah’s planned march through Port of Spain to protest alleged police extrajudicial killings, the prohibition against igniting any objects—including the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) flag replica—was upheld as constitutionally valid.

    Justice Ramcharan’s comprehensive judgment emphasized several critical factors supporting this decision: the emotionally charged nature of the protest targeting an institution allegedly responsible for civilian deaths, the inherent risks of igniting fires in densely urban environments, and documented historical instances where protests involving burning objects escalated into violence.

    “The apprehension that flag burning might instigate serious public disorder fell squarely within the Commissioner’s discretionary authority,” Ramcharan stated. He further noted that the protest’s context—occurring near police headquarters with likely attendance by affected families—created substantial risk of escalation into infrastructure damage and physical injury to participants and bystanders.

    The judgment clarified that while constitutional rights to free expression and assembly remain fundamental, the Summary Offences Act expressly permits reasonable limitations when proportionate to public safety concerns. The court found the restriction narrowly tailored since Abdullah retained full rights to conduct his march and voice criticisms through alternative means of symbolic speech.

    Abdullah, leader of the First Wave Movement NGO, had argued that flag burning constituted protected symbolic expression and that the Commissioner acted without evidential basis. These claims were rejected after judicial review found the decision rationally connected to legitimate public order considerations, with Abdullah having been interviewed by police prior to the determination.

    The activist was ordered to pay court costs, with amounts to be assessed by registrar if undisputed. Legal representation included Kiel Taklalsingh, Keron Ramkhalwhan, Rhea Khan and Shalini Sankar for Abdullah, while Tinuke Gibbons-Glenn and Kadine Matthew appeared for the state.

  • Equal Opportunity Tribunal reflects on meaning of Xmas

    Equal Opportunity Tribunal reflects on meaning of Xmas

    In an unconventional holiday message, Trinidad and Tobago’s Equal Opportunity Tribunal (EOT) has reframed the Christmas narrative to address contemporary social inequalities while honoring traditional religious significance. The government-appointed anti-discrimination body issued a comprehensive statement on December 19th that examines the seasonal celebrations through both theological and socioeconomic perspectives.

    The Tribunal’s communique begins by acknowledging the Nativity story as the foundational element of Christmas celebrations, describing it as “rich with theological significance” that continues to shape festive customs and reflections. The statement references biblical prophecies concerning Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem, recognizing this event as central to Christian doctrine.

    However, the EOT promptly transitions to a critical analysis of Caribbean socioeconomic realities, noting that within the region’s diaspora communities, Christmas functions as “both a joyous celebration and a reminder of persistent social systems that perpetuate economic and social disparities.” The Tribunal explicitly connects these inequalities to historical displacement and layered inequities that create stark contrasts with Christmas’s core messages of peace and goodwill.

    For those experiencing these challenges, the Tribunal observes that seasonal joy can feel “distant and disconnected from their daily lives.” Yet the statement simultaneously emphasizes the Caribbean’s “deep spiritual connection” to Christmas teachings about hope and redemption, suggesting that embracing the Christmas spirit requires more than seasonal celebration—it demands daily commitment to these values.

    The EOT positions itself as operating at the intersection of this paradox, utilizing its legal mandate to address discrimination complaints and create “a more level playing field for all.” The Tribunal asserts that this work reinforces the “spirit of transformation, triumph, and hope” inspired by the Christmas story.

    Beyond legal mechanisms, the statement calls for broader societal responsibility, urging collective action to address social realities that test Christmas values. The Tribunal proposes that the season should become an opportunity to acknowledge historical injustices, advance intercultural understanding, and work toward futures grounded in shared values across diverse faiths and communities.

    The message concludes with expressions of gratitude to team members and stakeholders, alongside wishes for renewed strength and resilience in the new year. Notably, the EOT validates diverse celebration methods—from religious observances to family gatherings, indigenous music, culinary traditions, liming, and partying—while encouraging preservation of the season’s underlying spirit regardless of celebration scale.

  • Denise Belfon Fixes Yuh Good

    Denise Belfon Fixes Yuh Good

    Internationally acclaimed soca artist Denise Belfon has unveiled her latest musical offering, “Fix You Good,” marking the commencement of the Carnival 2026 season. The track, released globally on December 12 across all digital platforms, presents a compelling narrative about normalizing emotional support for men during challenging times.

    Produced through a collaborative effort between Belfon and Grammy-winning Jamaican producer Rohan Rankine, the song is built upon Journey Music’s Dash Out Riddim—a innovative fusion that blends traditional soca rhythms with contemporary dancehall influences. This musical foundation creates a unique space for both assertive confidence and vulnerable emotional expression.

    The composition serves as a powerful rallying cry encouraging women to provide reassurance and steadfast support to the deserving men in their lives—including fathers, husbands, sons, and partners. Belfon’s lyrical approach masterfully balances tender vulnerability with her characteristic saucy energy, addressing themes of emotional support, recognition, and mutual care in relationships.

    Now residing in New York, Belfon acknowledges that geographical distance has provided her with broader perspective on relational dynamics and the silent pressures individuals face. “Sometimes being away from a space helps you see things clearer,” the artist reflected. “You realize how much people carry, especially men striving to do right every day.”

    The release emerges as a timely social commentary challenging conventional gender norms by acknowledging that men frequently bear significant emotional burdens while maintaining outward composure. Belfon emphasizes that the song originates from a place of genuine understanding about the pressures of providing and supporting families without adequate emotional recognition.

    “Fix You Good” represents the initial offering in what promises to be an active Carnival season for the veteran performer, known for previous hits including “Saucy Baby,” “Wining Queen,” and “Work.” The track establishes a thoughtful counterpoint to traditional carnival themes by prioritizing emotional connectivity alongside celebratory expression.

  • North Stand construction – 50 per cent cheaper – begins

    North Stand construction – 50 per cent cheaper – begins

    In a significant development for Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival preparations, the National Carnival Commission (NCC) has announced substantial cost reductions for the iconic North Stand construction. NCC CEO Keiba Jacob Mottley confirmed via WhatsApp that the 2026 erection and dismantling expenses will be nearly 50% lower than those incurred for Carnival 2025, though specific financial figures remain undisclosed.

    The construction process for the temporary structure commenced on December 16th, with completion targeted for mid-January 2026. The North Stand, historically central to major Carnival events including the renowned Panorama steelband competition, has frequently been subject to public scrutiny regarding its economic viability.

    Historical context reveals this isn’t the first time cost concerns have affected the stand’s existence. Both 2011 and 2019 saw the structure omitted from Carnival festivities due to financial constraints, with the 2019 project reportedly costing approximately $4 million and creating considerable strain on NCC resources. The stand was reintroduced in 2023 after its previous hiatus.

    For the upcoming 2026 celebrations, the NCC continues to market the North Stand as an exclusive VIP area for clients leasing the North Park facility. This monetization strategy appears central to justifying the structure’s continued presence. The broader Carnival 2026 initiative operates within a government-allocated budget of $137 million, though specific breakdowns for individual components remain unspecified.

    The North Stand, which gained cultural prominence during the 1960s and 1970s, represents both a practical venue solution and a symbolic element of Trinidad’s world-famous Carnival traditions. Its annual construction and subsequent dismantling have long been topics of public discussion regarding festival economics and cultural preservation.

  • Junk food next, Trump?

    Junk food next, Trump?

    In a controversial executive decision, President Donald Trump has designated fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction (WMD), drawing immediate criticism and satirical commentary from observers. The declaration, which places the synthetic opioid in the same category as nuclear and chemical weapons, has been met with skepticism regarding its geopolitical motivations and factual accuracy.

    The administration’s justification characterizes fentanyl as “closer to a chemical weapon than a narcotic,” despite the drug’s primary trafficking routes originating from Mexico and China rather than Venezuela. This discrepancy has raised questions about the declaration’s relationship to current foreign policy objectives and election-cycle politics.

    Political analysts note that the WMD classification appears disconnected from Venezuela’s actual narcotics production capabilities, yet the South American nation is reportedly preparing for potential military attention from the United States. This development follows historical patterns of American intervention in Latin America under various pretexts.

    The sweeping nature of the designation has inspired satirical suggestions for other substances that cause gradual harm to populations. Commentators have ironically proposed extending WMD status to cigarettes, fast food products, and even social media platforms for their documented negative impacts on public health and psychological well-being.

    This policy move potentially expands the scope of the Patriot Act, raising concerns about civil liberties and the appropriate use of counterterrorism legislation. The declaration represents a significant escalation in the rhetorical and legal approaches to the ongoing opioid crisis, with uncertain implications for both domestic policy and international relations.

  • Nalis’ Celebrity Tale-a-Thon on December 21

    Nalis’ Celebrity Tale-a-Thon on December 21

    The National Library and Information System Authority (Nalis) is set to present its seventeenth Annual Celebrity Tale-A-Thon Christmas Edition on December 21 at 3 PM. The virtual event will be streamed simultaneously across multiple platforms including YouTube, Facebook, and national broadcaster TTT, making it accessible to audiences nationwide.

    This signature initiative represents one of Nalis’ cornerstone literacy programs, specifically designed to harness the transformative power of storytelling. The event strategically focuses on vocabulary enhancement, listening skill development, and fostering a sustainable culture of reading across Trinidad and Tobago. Beyond immediate entertainment value, the program aims to contribute significantly to nationwide literacy advancement and promote the concept of lifelong learning through engaging narrative experiences.

    The Celebrity Tale-A-Thon tradition, which originated as an in-person gathering in 2006, transitioned to virtual formats in 2020 amid global health considerations. This adaptation has allowed the event to maintain continuity while expanding its reach beyond physical limitations. The program’s core concept involves respected national figures volunteering their time and artistic talents to deliver captivating stories specifically tailored for young audiences.

    This year’s edition features an impressive roster of Trinidadian talent including Jasmin Simmons (Nalis’ acting deputy executive director), comedian and spoken word poet Thaddeus Jardine (professionally known as Thaddy Boom), and prominent playwright Niques Francois. Additional participants include soca artiste Jesse Stewart (College Boy Jesse), multimedia journalist Seigonie Mohammed, digital content creator Jelani Mohammed, sales executive Richard Daniel, educator Nikeisha Ramlal, and journalist-author Ryan Bachoo.

    The event will be professionally hosted by Alette Williams, CEO and communications strategist of Outright Concepts Limited. Adding an interactive dimension to the program, Dominique Webb, Nalis’ public relations and marketing officer, will conduct a special craft session designed to complement the storytelling experience.

    Viewers seeking additional information are encouraged to visit Nalis’ official Facebook presence at https://www.facebook.com/NALISTT or the institutional website www.nalis.gov.tt for comprehensive details regarding this literary celebration.