Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Don’t scold citizens, Alexander

    Don’t scold citizens, Alexander

    In a striking display of political irony, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander has drawn sharp criticism for his recent admonishment of citizens and media outlets utilizing social platforms for information gathering regarding national affairs. The minister’s reprimand appears particularly contradictory given his own government’s extensive reliance on these very channels for official communications.

    The controversy stems from Alexander’s expressed frustration with the public’s growing dependence on digital platforms to stay informed about Trinidad and Tobago’s current socio-political climate. Critics argue this stance ignores the fundamental reality that citizens have turned to alternative information sources precisely due to the government’s inadequate official communication strategies.

    This situation grows more paradoxical when examining the political history of Alexander’s United National Congress (UNC) party. During their time in opposition, the UNC actively leveraged social media influencers to disseminate narratives targeting various institutions including the judiciary, previous administration, law enforcement, and private sector entities. Now holding governing power, the party confronts the amplified consequences of these very tactics they once employed.

    The UNC maintains the most substantial social media footprint among Trinidad and Tobago’s political organizations, with countless supporters daily amplifying party messages. Notably, significant governmental announcements—including the recent budget date revelation—frequently debut on UNC-affiliated digital platforms before appearing on official ministry channels. Even Prime Ministerial decisions, such as the prohibition of Carnival celebrations at state-owned venues, have been communicated primarily through social media.

    Commentator Nigel Seenathsingh of San Fernando emphasizes that responsible social media regulation requires public consultation rather than ministerial reproach. While acknowledging current challenges with digital discourse, including cyberbullying and hate speech, he invokes Albert Einstein’s wisdom that problems cannot be resolved using the same mindset that created them. The solution, he suggests, lies in collaborative efforts to establish fair usage guidelines rather than chastising citizens for embracing communication channels the government itself actively employs.

  • Playwrights Workshop launches three plays for December

    Playwrights Workshop launches three plays for December

    Trinidad’s vibrant theatre community is set to host an extraordinary week of theatrical presentations during the first week of December. Three prominent organizations—Playwrights Workshop Trinbago (PWT), Trinidad Theatre Workshop (TTW), and Torch Theatre Company (TTC)—have joined forces to present a diverse program of performances and readings that highlight both emerging and established Caribbean talent.

    The cultural festivities commence on December 3 at 7 PM with PWT’s Monthly Readers Theatre Series, featuring a cold reading and audience discussion of ‘HerStory’ by Arnetia Thomas. This compelling drama explores the emotional journey of Claudette, a woman who channels her maternal instincts toward her extended family while grappling with her own inability to conceive. The narrative examines how personal pain can unconsciously affect relationships, following Claudette’s path toward self-discovery and empowerment.

    Thomas, an accomplished creative professional active since 2014, brings multifaceted experience to her writing. Holding a theatre arts degree from UWI, she has excelled as an actress, dancer, traditional mas performer, fire breather, educator, and director. She currently teaches theatre arts at Belmont Secondary School while co-managing her own theatre company, De Drama FacTTory, and traditional mas group Les Reines Djabbes.

    The theatrical journey continues on December 5 at 7 PM with a landmark off-script performance of Althea Milliband’s ‘Jury of Peers,’ directed by Marvin L Ishmael. This innovative production marks the first fully-staged interpretation of Milliband’s absurdist legal drama, which was inspired by a viral video depicting a crab wielding a knife. The play imaginatively explores the judicial implications of a crustacean potentially causing human fatality, questioning whether such an act could constitute self-defense, murder, manslaughter, or even suicide.

    Milliband, who describes herself as a revolutionary and aspiring playwright, developed this unconventional narrative after the bizarre video captured her creative imagination.

    Concluding the week’s events, Torch Theatre Company presents ‘Dat Is Mih Family’ on December 6 at 7 PM and December 7 at 6 PM. This improvisational Christmas comedy promises warmth and hilarity, offering audiences a lighthearted seasonal performance.

    All events will be hosted at the Trinidad Theatre Workshop’s venue at 6 Newbold Street, St Clair, Port of Spain. The Monthly Readers Theatre Series serves as a critical developmental platform for emerging playwrights, providing opportunity for script refinement through audience feedback and professional input. PWT encourages actors, directors, producers, and theatre enthusiasts to participate in these readings, as volunteers from the audience often contribute to the dramatic interpretations.

    Playwrights seeking to have their work featured in future readings must submit scripts for consideration through the MRTS program. Additional information regarding submissions and upcoming events can be obtained by emailing playwrightsworkshoptt@gmail.com, calling/texting/WhatsApping 351-6293, or visiting their social media channels @playwrightsworkshoptt on Facebook and Instagram.

  • Swaratsingh: TT will hear soon where $$$ to pay PSA workers will come from

    Swaratsingh: TT will hear soon where $$$ to pay PSA workers will come from

    The Trinidad and Tobago government confronts a significant fiscal challenge as it seeks sources for $3.8 billion required to fulfill back pay obligations to public servants. This financial commitment follows the recent settlement between the Public Services Association (PSA) and the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) regarding a ten percent salary increase promised during the April general election campaign.

    Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, indicated that funding details would emerge “soon enough” when briefly addressing reporters outside the Red House on November 28. The agreement, reached on November 27, structures the increase across a five-year period with one percent annually from 2014 to 2018 and five percent in 2019.

    The settlement is projected to increase recurrent government expenditure by $420 million annually. CPO Dr. Daryl Dindial confirmed plans to formalize the agreement through a memorandum of understanding with PSA representatives on December 1, followed by expedited Cabinet ratification potentially as early as December 4.

    Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales expressed cautious optimism about the settlement while emphasizing the need for transparency regarding funding mechanisms. Meanwhile, former finance minister Colm Imbert raised concerns about potential ripple effects, warning that similar demands from other unions could escalate the state’s financial burden to approximately $20 billion in back pay and $2 billion in additional annual expenditure.

    Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities Clyde Elder cautioned against renegotiation attempts from other unions, noting that organizations that previously accepted four percent settlements should not expect retroactive adjustments based on the PSA’s outcome. Elder highlighted the PSA’s particular struggles during previous administrations and deferred payment timing decisions to Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo.

  • Magnificent roasts

    Magnificent roasts

    In the realm of comfort food, few dishes rival the divine flavor and heartwarming appeal of expertly roasted meats. Culinary expert Wendy Rahamut presents a masterclass in transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary culinary experiences through traditional roasting techniques that yield crispy, well-browned perfection.

    Pot roasting emerges as an exceptional method for enhancing less tender cuts of beef. Through slow cooking and braising in aromatic marinades, even tougher meats transform into flavorful, tender masterpieces. These roasts not only serve as perfect main courses but also create exceptional leftovers for sandwiches.

    Wendy’s comprehensive guide details three distinct roasting approaches:

    Beef Pot Roast Preparation:
    A 3½-4 lb prime rump undergoes overnight marination in a sophisticated blend of minced garlic, olive oil, fresh thyme, black pepper, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and red wine. The cooking process involves careful browning, slow roasting at 350°F with periodic basting using beef or chicken stock, and precise temperature monitoring to achieve ideal doneness.

    Garlic-Infused Leg of Lamb:
    A 4 lb bone-in leg of lamb receives an intense marinade of Dijon mustard, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, cracked black pepper, fresh rosemary, and olive oil. After overnight marination, the roast cooks at 375°F until reaching the optimal internal temperature of 140°F, followed by essential resting before carving.

    Herb-Roasted Chicken Technique:
    A 4 lb chicken undergoes meticulous preparation with a paste of chopped chives, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, thyme, and black pepper. The bird marinates overnight before roasting at 375°F with continuous basting, resulting in exceptionally juicy meat with perfectly crisp skin.

    Each recipe emphasizes the importance of marination time, temperature control, proper resting periods, and sauce preparation techniques that transform pan drippings into flavorful accompaniments. These methods demonstrate how traditional cooking approaches can produce restaurant-quality results in home kitchens, celebrating the timeless appeal of roasted meats as both culinary centerpieces and versatile ingredients for subsequent meals.

  • Ameen: Boundaries should not split communities

    Ameen: Boundaries should not split communities

    In a significant address at Kent House in Maraval on November 28, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen issued clear directives to eleven newly appointed boundary committee members. Emphasizing the critical importance of preserving community integrity, Minister Ameen stressed that municipal boundaries must adhere to natural divisions rather than artificially splitting villages and communities.

    The Minister highlighted substantial disparities in current electoral representation across different regions. Data reveals concerning imbalances where individual councillors represent populations ranging dramatically from 3,800 to over 15,700 citizens depending on their corporation. This variation, according to Ameen, creates fundamental inequities in governance and resource allocation that must be addressed through boundary reform.

    Demographic distribution emerged as another crucial factor in the boundary determination process. Minister Ameen noted that while some municipal areas contain merely 2-4% of the national population, others such as Tunapuna/Piarco account for significantly higher percentages at 17% and 14% respectively. Geographic size variations further complicate the landscape, with municipalities spanning from compact 12 square kilometer areas to expansive 927 square kilometer regions like Sangre Grande.

    The Minister articulated the direct connection between equitable boundary division and fair funding distribution, stating that proportional resource allocation remains impossible without geographic and demographic balance. While expressing confidence in the committee’s ability to fulfill its mandate, Ameen clarified the procedural framework: the committee’s recommendations will proceed to Cabinet, though ultimate authority rests with Parliament regarding municipal boundaries, while the Elections and Boundaries Commission maintains jurisdiction over electoral districts.

    Ameen encouraged committee members to utilize available demographic data and community consultations to inform their decisions, particularly emphasizing the need to create sub-regions based on development priorities where necessary. This approach aligns with the Prime Minister’s longstanding concerns regarding funding disparities resulting from inequitable boundary divisions.

  • Boyd shines but TT lose to Canada in Fiba 3×3 AmeriCup

    Boyd shines but TT lose to Canada in Fiba 3×3 AmeriCup

    In a thrilling display of 3×3 basketball prowess, Trinidad and Tobago’s national team delivered a spirited performance against Canada during their opening Group C match at the 2025 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup in León, Mexico on November 28. Despite a spectacular individual effort from star guard Ahkeel “Smally” Boyd, the Caribbean squad ultimately succumbed to a 21-16 defeat against their North American opponents.

    The game commenced with Boyd establishing immediate dominance, single-handedly scoring Trinidad and Tobago’s first five points. The dynamic guard initiated the scoring with a crafty layup before stepping beyond the arc to sink a dramatic two-point shot, granting his team an early 3-0 advantage. However, Canada’s Jerome Derosiers shifted the momentum with a crucial jumper that propelled his team to a 5-4 lead—an advantage they would maintain throughout the remainder of the contest.

    Boyd’s exceptional performance culminated in a game-high ten points, including three impressive shots from deep range. His final long-distance conversion brought Trinidad and Tobago within striking distance at 18-16 with just over one minute remaining in the fast-paced ten-minute encounter. Despite this late surge, Canada’s experienced players demonstrated composure under pressure. Steve Sir connected on a critical jumper to extend the lead to 20-16, before Grant Audu sealed the victory with an uncontested layup following precise ball movement from Derosiers.

    Supplementary scoring for Trinidad and Tobago came from center Tyrik Singh with three points, while Boyd’s brother Ahkeem “Fato” Boyd contributed two points to the team’s total.

    The tournament journey began promisingly for the Trinidadian squad during the qualification phase, where they secured three consecutive victories. Their campaign commenced with a dominant 21-7 triumph over St Kitts and Nevis, followed by a hard-fought 21-18 win against Uruguay, and concluded with a default victory against Bahamas. The Boyd brothers were instrumental in these successes, combining for 17 points in the opener against St Kitts and 15 points in the crucial matchup against Uruguay.

    Following the Canada match, Trinidad and Tobago prepared to face Argentina later that evening. The tournament structure mandates that the top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the quarterfinals scheduled for November 30, with the championship finale set for 8:55 PM that same evening.

  • Red Force into Super50 Cup final with Pride

    Red Force into Super50 Cup final with Pride

    The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force delivered a commanding performance on November 27th at Queen’s Park Oval, St Clair, securing their place in the 2025/26 CG United Super50 Cup final with a decisive eight-wicket victory over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes. This triumph marks their fourth finals appearance in the past five seasons, setting up a championship clash against traditional rivals Barbados Pride on November 29th at Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

    The foundation for victory was laid by an exceptional bowling display from seam bowler Terrance Hinds and spinner Ricky Jaipaul, who claimed three wickets each to restrict the Hurricanes to a modest 214 runs in 49 overs. Hinds made early breakthroughs by dismissing Kofi James (8), Carlon Bowen-Tuckett (5), and clean bowling Mikyle Louis (13) within the first 39 deliveries, leaving the visitors reeling at 31-3.

    Despite resistance from Karima Gore (39) and a spirited 71-run knock from Jahmar Hamilton—who famously eliminated T&T from the 2019 semifinal—the Hurricanes’ innings never gained sustained momentum. The Red Force bowling attack maintained consistent pressure, with Joshua James, Jyd Goolie, and Abdul-Raheem Toppin contributing crucial wickets during the final overs.

    The chase became a showcase of batting prowess as Tion Webster shattered his tournament slump with a magnificent 83 runs from 117 deliveries. Partnering with returning West Indies player Amir Jangoo, Webster demonstrated exceptional form on his home ground, systematically dismantling the Leeward Islands’ bowling attack. Their 88-run partnership off 141 balls effectively decided the contest.

    Though Webster fell with victory in sight, Jangoo remained unbeaten on 72 from 85 balls, accompanied by Jyd Goolie’s rapid 23 not out from 23 deliveries. The Red Force achieved their target with 41 balls to spare, joining Barbados Pride with an unassailable 31 points in the standings.

    This final appearance renews one of the region’s most storied rivalries, marking the tenth championship meeting between the teams since the tournament’s inception in 1973. Red Force supporters now anticipate their team potentially securing a record-extending 15th overall title and their seventh victory against Barbados in regional 50-over finals.

  • Rajiv Coosal takes TT Contractors Association helm unopposed

    Rajiv Coosal takes TT Contractors Association helm unopposed

    Rajiv Coosal, Operations Director at Coosal’s Group of Companies, has ascended to the presidency of the Trinidad and Tobago Contractors Association (TTCA) with a resolute commitment to address systemic challenges plaguing the construction sector. His uncontested election during the November 27 annual general meeting coincided with a constitutional amendment extending leadership terms from one to two years.

    Assuming leadership with what he described as “humility, enthusiasm and a sense of duty,” Coosal immediately identified delayed state payments as the most destabilizing factor confronting contractors. He emphasized that outstanding government debts represent more than accounting entries—they directly impact livelihoods, project continuity, and industry trust.

    The newly inaugurated president outlined an ambitious agenda focused on strengthening partnerships with government ministries and agencies, particularly as Trinidad and Tobago advances its development transformation agenda. Coosal specifically referenced the Housing Ministry’s 20,000-unit affordable housing initiative and 12 proposed development hubs as critical opportunities requiring local contractor readiness.

    Despite these opportunities, former TTCA president Mikey Joseph sounded a cautionary note during open proceedings, highlighting persistent financial pressures from delayed state payments and contractual breaches. Joseph advocated for more vigorous public advocacy, warning that excessive diplomacy had historically yielded disappointing results. He further cautioned about increasing foreign competition potentially marginalizing local contractors without stronger industry protections.

    In response, Coosal acknowledged the validity of these concerns while emphasizing balanced advocacy. “We are here to represent all TTCA members,” he stated, affirming that public communication would be employed when necessary while maintaining diplomatic engagement with government entities.

    The newly ratified executive team for 2025-2027 includes Vice-President Deborah Costelloe of Lifetime Roofing and eight directors representing major construction firms. Coosal concluded the assembly by urging collective action, emphasizing that “the true power of construction extends far beyond its direct economic contribution,” stimulating manufacturing, quarrying, logistics, engineering, and small business services throughout the national economy.

  • Mixed fortunes for Carapichaima in Central intercol finals

    Mixed fortunes for Carapichaima in Central intercol finals

    In a dramatic turnaround of fortunes, Carapichaima East Secondary’s boys’ football team claimed the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) central zone intercol championship with a commanding 4-0 victory over Chaguanas North Secondary. The match, held at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on November 26, marked a stunning reversal for a team that had endured a winless premier division season, losing all 15 of their previous matches.

    The championship showdown saw Carapichaima East demonstrate remarkable resilience as they established a decisive 3-0 lead by halftime before adding a fourth goal in the second half. The scoring was distributed among four players: Mikhel Aberdeen, Damarion Boswell, Tarik Langton, and Zion Thompson, whose collective effort secured the comprehensive victory.

    This triumph sets the stage for a national intercol quarterfinal clash against east zone champions St Augustine Secondary on December 2. St Augustine earned their place in the next round with a dramatic victory over San Juan North Secondary at Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar.

    While the boys celebrated their championship, Carapichaima East’s girls’ team experienced disappointment in their concurrent intercol final. Holy Faith Convent Couva dominated the match with a decisive 3-0 victory, preventing Carapichaima from achieving a zonal double. Holy Faith now advances to face Five Rivers Secondary, the east zone winners, in the girls’ national intercol quarterfinals on December 1.

  • Trump to ‘permanently pause’ migration from Third World nations

    Trump to ‘permanently pause’ migration from Third World nations

    Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a radical immigration policy agenda, vowing to permanently suspend migration from all Third World nations which he identified as the fundamental source of America’s ‘social dysfunction.’ The declaration came through a post-Thanksgiving message on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

    Trump outlined a comprehensive five-point plan that includes terminating millions of immigration admissions processed under the Biden administration, removing individuals deemed ‘not a net asset to the US,’ eliminating federal benefits and subsidies for non-citizens, revoking citizenship from migrants who ‘undermine domestic tranquility,’ and deporting foreign nationals classified as public charges, security risks, or ‘non-compatible with Western civilization.’

    The former president intensified his criticism against current immigration policies, directly blaming predecessor Joe Biden while employing derogatory language against Mesopotamia Governor Tim Walz. Trump specifically criticized Walz’s refugee policies, referencing the admission of ‘hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia’ into the state.

    Trump’s proposed solution centers on what he termed ‘reverse migration,’ asserting that only through this approach could the situation be ‘fully cured.’ The message concluded with a stark warning to migrants: ‘You won’t be here for long!’ This declaration signals potentially the most restrictive immigration framework proposed by a major presidential candidate in modern American history.