Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Safety must be priority amid season’s hustle and bustle

    Safety must be priority amid season’s hustle and bustle

    As Trinidad and Tobago enters its extended Christmas season spanning late November through early January, the nation’s Safety Council has issued comprehensive safety guidelines addressing multiple household hazards amplified during festive celebrations. Council President Junior Peters emphasized that reduced safety vigilance during this busy period significantly elevates risks of accidents, property damage, and potential tragedies.

    Electrical safety emerges as a primary concern with surging demand for lighting and decorations. Faulty wiring, damaged appliances, overloaded circuits, and amateur electrical work constitute major risk factors. The Council specifically warns against defective cords that can ignite household combustibles and highlights increased electrocution dangers in damp environments. Recommendations include using only properly rated extension cords, employing three-pin grounded plugs for all applicable appliances, and avoiding circuit overloads.

    Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) safety requires heightened attention during increased cooking activities. The National Petroleum Marketing Company mandates cylinders be positioned at least 1.5 meters from heat sources with secure, leak-free connections regularly inspected. Critical emergency procedures outline immediate responses to gas leaks: ventilate areas, shut off gas supplies, avoid all electrical operations, refrain from using open flames or phones near leaks, and relocate cylinders outdoors with damp cloth coverage.

    Chemical cleaning products present additional hazards as households intensify cleaning efforts. The advisory strongly discourages mixing chemicals and emphasizes using single products with proper ventilation and protective equipment. All chemicals should remain in original containers securely stored away from children’s reach.

    The comprehensive guidelines further address slip, trip, and fall prevention through proper ladder usage during decoration activities, alcohol consumption moderation during hazardous tasks, and special protections for vulnerable populations including infants, elderly individuals, and those with health conditions. Noise exposure concerns complete the safety recommendations aimed at preserving Trinidad and Tobago’s festive spirit while prioritizing citizen welfare.

  • Musical magic with Marionettes and bpTT

    Musical magic with Marionettes and bpTT

    For the 42nd consecutive year, the Marionettes Chorale transported over 500 special guests to a realm of musical enchantment during their annual Christmas charity concert at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s. The event, fully sponsored by energy giant bp Trinidad and Tobago (bpTT), welcomed attendees from humanitarian institutions including elderly care facilities, children’s homes, youth organizations, and refugee associations.

    The concert featured an artistic blend of classical and contemporary arrangements, including a special medley honoring calypso legend The Mighty Sparrow and nostalgic local Christmas favorites such as ‘Make a Friend,’ ‘Listen Mama,’ and ‘Hooray Hurrah.’ Joshua Villafana from Lady Hochoy Home expressed his enthusiasm: ‘I genuinely anticipate this event—they make us feel welcome, and the performance never disappoints. This year, ‘Take Me Home’ was my highlight.’

    A dedicated team of bpTT volunteers collaborated with personnel from the Military-Led Academic Training (MILAT) program, led by Corporal Levi Collins, to provide VIP treatment to all guests. This included coordinated transportation and personalized seating assistance. Collins emphasized the profound impact on volunteers: ‘This experience has shown our trainees the significance of contributing to society. Feeling the appreciation and making a difference is unforgettable.’

    The enduring partnership between bpTT and the Marionettes was highlighted by chorale secretary and founding member Joanne Mendes, who noted the overwhelming positive feedback and the critical role of corporate support in sustaining the event. bpTT President David Campbell praised the collective effort: ‘Our staff’s genuine care and respect for every guest magnify the impact of this event. The collaboration with the Marionettes and MILAT generates an irreplaceable energy, especially meaningful during the holiday season.’

    The event concluded with bpTT Vice-President Carissa Bissoon escorting 91-year-old Marionettes co-founder and national music icon Jocelyn Pierre to her seat, symbolizing a legacy of artistic excellence and compassionate community engagement that continues to define the Christmas spirit for countless beneficiaries.

  • US donates equipment to prison service

    US donates equipment to prison service

    In a significant enhancement to bilateral law enforcement cooperation, the United States Embassy has delivered substantial equipment and facility upgrades to the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service’s Canine Unit. The formal handover ceremony occurred on December 17 at the Youth Transformation and Rehabilitation Centre (YTRC), marking another milestone in the ongoing partnership between the two nations.

    The equipment donation encompasses specialized tools including a Stihl mist blower with gas canister, Stihl brush cutter with harness, electric pressure washer, canine training equipment including flirt poles and Starmark fetch balls, Kong Classic toys in multiple sizes, and washable dog pads. These resources are designed to enhance the operational capabilities and animal welfare standards of the canine unit.

    A notable achievement unveiled during the ceremony was the completion of a purpose-built whelping facility, constructed by Prison Service personnel using materials funded through US Embassy support. This new breeding infrastructure enables the unit to develop its own lineage of working dogs, reducing dependency on external procurement and creating potential for specialized training programs.

    Further enhancements included the comprehensive refurbishment of two canine transport vehicles, significantly improving the unit’s mobility and operational readiness for various security scenarios.

    The ceremony was attended by Prison Commissioner Carlos Corraspe alongside Deputy Commissioners Hayden Forde, Curtis Guy, and Elvin Scanterbury. The US delegation featured Kelley Whitson, Chief of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, accompanied by Saleem Boochoon and Nathan Johnson. Debbie Jacob, a longstanding advocate for prison rehabilitation initiatives, also participated.

    Commissioner Corraspe highlighted the canine unit as “one of the pockets of excellence” within the prison system and emphasized the strategic importance of the international partnership. He reminded officers of their critical role in national security, urging continued pursuit of operational excellence.

    Ms. Whitson reaffirmed her office’s commitment to sustained collaboration, while Mr. Boochoon praised the unit’s professional standards and expressed optimism about future joint initiatives.

    Concurrently, the Prison Service launched a new rehabilitative program where YTRC residents receive instruction in canine care and treatment. This initiative provides practical vocational skills aligned with the center’s mission to prepare individuals for successful reintegration into society.

  • Deepening trade relationships in Latin America

    Deepening trade relationships in Latin America

    In a significant development for Caribbean-Latin American economic relations, the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TT Chamber) has established a formal trade partnership with Mexico’s Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE). The landmark memorandum of understanding was signed on October 30 during the 31st Mexican Foreign Trade Congress in Querétaro, facilitated by the Mexican Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago.

    This institutional framework creates a structured collaboration mechanism between the private sectors of both nations, focusing on sustainable growth, innovation, and regional economic integration. The agreement establishes concrete cooperation protocols for joint project development, information exchange, business missions, and mutual support in trade and investment promotion.

    The signing ceremony occurred within the context of a comprehensive TT trade mission to Mexico from October 25-31, led by TT Chamber president Sonji Pierre-Chase. During high-level working sessions, Pierre-Chase presented substantial collaboration opportunities to Mexican business leaders, emphasizing her organization’s role as Trinidad and Tobago’s primary economic representative and the largest business association within the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

    A particularly strategic dimension emerged through the TT Chamber’s participation in the COMCE Mesoamerican Foreign Trade Council, which convened public and private sector representatives across Central America and the Caribbean. Mexican Ambassador Víctor Hugo Morales highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s crucial position within Caribbean markets and Mexico’s opportunity to diversify exports while integrating more deeply into regional value chains. The diplomat specifically noted TT’s potential role in maritime transport initiatives due to its extensive infrastructure and connectivity throughout the Eastern Caribbean.

    Pierre-Chase stated, ‘Our participation in COMCE provides significant leverage for TT businesses to explore opportunities beyond Caricom markets. Given how global politics directly impact trade, we consider it prudent to seek new market opportunities within the Pan Caribbean region. This engagement positions Trinidad and Tobago to potentially become the first English-speaking country invited to join Mesoamerica.’

    The Congress featured thematic panels on global logistics trends, disruptive trade strategies, corporate responsibility, and artificial intelligence’s impact on business management. The TT delegation actively engaged in the Made in Mexico with Quality B2B program, demonstrating strong interest in developing strategic supply chains and joint manufacturing partnerships.

    The mission included substantive meetings with Querétaro government officials to explore initiatives promoting trade, investment, and cultural-educational exchanges. Business representatives Sarah Gangadeen and Clint Groves of Firestone Bread Co Ltd conducted successful negotiations with San Luis Potosí officials and local producers, establishing food sector procurement agreements and arranging acquisition of additional industrial baking equipment with Mexican embassy support.

    Flavio González, the embassy’s head of trade and cooperation, outlined Mexico’s trade promotion strategies in TT while highlighting opportunities to strengthen regional presence and engage Caribbean partners for internationalizing the ‘Plan Mexico’ initiative.

    The trade mission successfully enhanced bilateral economic cooperation, established new business collaboration channels, and positioned both nations as dynamic, reliable partners in the region. The TT Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional economic growth through continued engagement with business chambers, relevant organizations, and governments.

  • Towards a better Christmas

    Towards a better Christmas

    In a poignant seasonal reflection, commentator Steve Alvarez contemplates the universal human experience of navigating life’s inevitable challenges alongside moments of profound joy. Writing during the Christmas period, Alvarez observes how both personal hardships—from financial instability and housing struggles to illness and loss—and collective crises like wars and famines test human resilience.

    The central thesis examines the fundamental role of governance in managing these challenges. Alvarez argues that citizens delegate crucial responsibilities—education, healthcare, public safety, and community maintenance—to elected officials precisely because these services exceed individual capabilities. This delegation, however, carries immense responsibility that should never translate into exploitation or self-aggrandizement.

    With Christmas symbolism as backdrop, the commentary calls for a renewed commitment to servant leadership. Alvarez invokes the Christmas narrative’s emphasis on love and sharing as foundational principles that should guide political representation. The piece advocates for recognizing human diversity as strength rather than division, drawing parallels to the natural world’s varied beauty.

    The reflection culminates in an impassioned appeal for national unity in Trinidad and Tobago. Alvarez emphasizes that overcoming life’s ‘storms’ depends not on their cessation but on collective management through political will and mutual appreciation. The commentary closes with a seasonal hope that elected representatives might prioritize service over self-interest, working toward realizing TT’s potential as a ‘perfect paradise’ where citizens unite to improve life for all.

  • PM pays tribute to ‘dearest sister’ Dr Daphne Phillips-Gaskin

    PM pays tribute to ‘dearest sister’ Dr Daphne Phillips-Gaskin

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar delivered a heartfelt tribute to former UNC senator Dr. Daphne Phillips-Gaskin during her funeral service on December 17 at the Trinidadian Christian Centre in Petit Valley, commemorating the life and contributions of the 82-year-old public servant who passed away on December 3.

    In her eulogy, Persad-Bissessar characterized Phillips-Gaskin as both a distinguished scholar and devoted public servant who operated consistently according to conscience and principle. The Prime Minister reflected on their shared journey in national leadership, noting how Phillips-Gaskin remained steadfastly at her side ‘like a sister’ throughout their political careers.

    Phillips-Gaskin’s remarkable trajectory began in Belmont, where she developed early foundations in compassion through her training as a nurse and midwife. Her academic pursuits at the University of the West Indies, culminating in a doctoral scholarship in sociology, profoundly shaped her commitment to gender equality and community empowerment.

    As a senior lecturer, Phillips-Gaskin maintained that education carried inherent obligations—believing knowledge should fundamentally uplift and strengthen communities. This philosophy guided her transition into government service, where she served as senator and Cabinet Minister during the 1995-2001 UNC administrations.

    Persad-Bissessar highlighted Phillips-Gaskin’s pioneering work in shaping a more humane national agenda, particularly noting her bravery in challenging political norms. ‘Some of the men did not have the belly to do what she did back in the days,’ the Prime Minister remarked, acknowledging the additional barriers faced by women in leadership during that era.

    Phillips-Gaskin’s legacy includes substantial advancements in gender policy, strengthened protections against domestic violence, and championing family law reform. Her leadership enabled thousands of women to gain skills, training, and employment opportunities through programs grounded in her belief in their capacity for self-sufficiency.

    In November 2000, Phillips-Gaskin assumed the responsibility of acting Prime Minister, discharging her duties with what Persad-Bissessar described as ‘calm authority and restraint.’ Her loyalty to the UNC remained principled and enduring, demonstrated notably during a critical moment in 2010 when she stood publicly with the Prime Minister at personal cost.

    The Prime Minister concluded that Phillips-Gaskin’s legacy endures through the laws she shaped, the women she empowered, the families she protected, and the exemplary standards she established for public service.

  • Intangible skills Caribbean professionals need to succeed in 2026

    Intangible skills Caribbean professionals need to succeed in 2026

    A profound transformation is reshaping career advancement pathways across the Caribbean region, where traditional markers of professional success are rapidly losing relevance. According to digital strategist Keron Rose, the established formula of academic credentials, job titles, and seniority no longer guarantees career progression or financial growth in the contemporary Caribbean business landscape.

    Many professionals throughout the islands report increasing frustration despite following conventional paths to success. Despite obtaining qualifications and demonstrating workplace commitment, numerous individuals find themselves constrained by stagnant compensation structures and limited advancement opportunities within often sluggish institutional frameworks. This widespread sentiment has prompted many to consider whether regional departure represents the only viable route to meaningful career development.

    Rose identifies 2026 as a pivotal juncture where intangible capabilities will outweigh formal credentials in determining professional achievement. The emerging success paradigm emphasizes personal leverage within imperfect systems rather than reliance on traditional institutional pathways. This shift demands fundamentally new approaches to professional development and value proposition articulation.

    Five transformative skills have emerged as critical differentiators for Caribbean professionals seeking advancement:

    1. Value Communication Mastery: Moving beyond job descriptions to articulate concrete problem-solving capabilities, risk mitigation, and revenue impact represents the foundation of modern professional positioning. Professionals must learn to express outcomes rather than responsibilities.

    2. Adaptive Learning Agility: With technological acceleration shortening skill relevance cycles, the capacity for rapid knowledge acquisition surpasses static expertise. Professionals must embrace continuous learning through global digital platforms rather than relying solely on formal education systems.

    3. Strategic Personal Branding: Visibility has become professional currency in the digital age. Building a discernible professional identity through platforms like LinkedIn enables Caribbean talent to transcend geographical limitations and connect with global opportunities.

    4. Systemic Efficiency Cultivation: Success increasingly belongs to those who maintain high performance standards despite working within inefficient systems. Professionals must resist normalizing mediocrity and instead champion excellence regardless of institutional constraints.

    5. Strategic Positioning: Conscious career navigation that anticipates market shifts and aligns skill development with emerging opportunities separates advancing professionals from stagnant counterparts.

    Rose emphasizes that these competencies collectively create leverage—the critical factor separating thriving professionals from those experiencing stagnation. The Caribbean region possesses abundant talent but requires new frameworks for channeling that potential effectively within evolving global economic structures.

    The digital strategist concludes that while institutional transformation may progress slowly, individual professionals can immediately begin repositioning themselves for success through deliberate skill development and strategic visibility enhancement.

  • New EMA board gives approval to 2 EOG wells

    New EMA board gives approval to 2 EOG wells

    In a significant development for Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has formally issued a Certificate of Environmental Clearance (CEC) to Houston-based EOG Resources for offshore gas exploration activities. The authorization permits the company to proceed with drilling operations at two designated gas wells, TG1 and TG2, situated within the NCMA 4(a) Unlimited Block off the nation’s North Coast.

    The approval marks the first CEC issued by the EMA under its newly appointed board of directors. Chairman Doolar Ramlal emphasized that the decision was rendered well within the statutory timeframe, highlighting the agency’s dedication to efficient, transparent, and timely regulatory processes. The application, initially submitted on March 5, underwent a comprehensive technical review. This rigorous assessment included advanced hydrocarbon spill modeling, drill cuttings dispersion analysis based on comparable offshore projects, and evaluation of a detailed emergency response plan for potential accidents and natural disasters.

    EOG Resources, which has maintained operations in Trinidad and Tobago since the 1990s, reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the country’s upstream energy sector. This sentiment was echoed during a November meeting between EOG Chairman Ezra Yacob and Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal. Both parties expressed mutual interest in strengthening collaboration to boost oil and gas production, advance the nation’s hydrocarbon development agenda, and support broader energy objectives. The UNC government acknowledged EOG’s consistent contributions to local production and emphasized its commitment to maintaining strong partnerships with industry stakeholders.

    The EMA’s approval demonstrates a balanced approach to facilitating energy development while upholding stringent environmental safeguards, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision for sustainable national development.

  • WI team needs changes

    WI team needs changes

    West Indies cricket faces renewed scrutiny following a dramatic reversal of fortunes in their Test series against New Zealand. After an impressive performance in the opening match, the Caribbean side regressed to familiar batting frailties during the second Test, prompting serious questions about leadership and technical preparation.

    The team’s second innings collapse proved particularly concerning for supporters. A poorly executed run-out initiated a cascade of wickets that exposed fundamental deficiencies in application and temperament. While the bowling unit has demonstrated measurable improvement, the batting lineup continues to rely disproportionately on contributions from Shai Hope and Justin Greaves, with occasional support from Brandon King and Kavem Hodge.

    Test match fundamentals require first innings totals exceeding 300 runs to establish competitive positions, yet West Indies consistently fail to achieve this benchmark. Captain Roston Chase’s continued batting struggles have become particularly worrisome, with the most experienced player in the squad failing to deliver meaningful contributions through both matches. This has led to calls for his replacement by wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Da Silva ahead of future fixtures.

    Selection recommendations include integrating Amir Jangoo into the squad and providing Alick Athanaze with specialized mentoring from Caribbean legends Brian Lara and Shivnarine Chanderpaul. The promising batsman would benefit from extended first-class exposure to rebuild technical foundations before returning to international cricket.

    Despite the disappointing outcome in the second Test, supporters remain hopeful that the batting unit can rediscover its form to properly support the increasingly effective bowling attack in future engagements.

  • Maestre and Friends keeping parang alive in Canada

    Maestre and Friends keeping parang alive in Canada

    For over three decades, Toronto-based financial advisor Antonio Maestre has sustained the vibrant sounds of Trinidadian Christmas through his musical ensemble Maestre and Friends. The 62-year-old founder has transformed his childhood memories of St. Augustine, Trinidad, into a cultural mission that brings authentic parang music to Caribbean communities across Canada.

    Maestre’s connection to parang runs generations deep. His grandfather, Luis de León, was a celebrated parang legend documented in Daphne Pawan Taylor’s book ‘Parang of Trinidad.’ Growing up in a household where music flowed naturally, Maestre began performing professionally at 17 with local bands Los Alumnos and later Los Niños de Dios, mastering the cuatro and guitar while developing as a lead vocalist.

    The journey to Canadian cultural preservation began in 1988 when Maestre migrated at 24. Despite drastic climate adjustments and cultural differences, he immediately joined La Petite Musical, a folk group performing seasonal parang. His collaboration with fellow Trinidadian Lionel Herbert eventually led to forming Maestre and Friends, now in its 14th year of operation.

    The ensemble features eight to ten predominantly Trinidadian musicians performing with traditional instruments including cuatro, maracas, bass guitar, percussion, box bass, and surprisingly incorporated steelpan. Their repertoire balances classic pieces like Daisy Voisin’s ‘Alegría’ with popular soca parang hits such as Scrunter’s ‘Madame Jeffrey’ and Baron’s ‘Spanish Woman’.

    Introducing parang to Canadian audiences required cultural education. ‘We had to explain this is an annual Trinidadian tradition,’ Maestre noted, contrasting parang with conventional caroling. The group adapted the traditional house-to-house parang into concentrated gatherings where ‘you go to one house for the night and everybody invites their friends over – it’s like a big party.’

    Their performances have expanded from intimate gatherings to significant venues including the Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner’s office in Ottawa and the Consulate in Toronto. They’ve shared stages with iconic soca parang artists including Scrunter, Crazy, and Baron.

    The band now navigates generational evolution within the genre, with Maestre’s son Miguel incorporating stronger soca parang influences and recently releasing Carnival tracks. While the elder Maestre transitions to mentoring roles, he remains dedicated to preserving parang’s religious foundations as a devout Catholic who values the music’s spiritual narratives of Christ’s birth.

    Despite member transitions and evolving musical preferences within the diaspora community, Maestre and Friends continues to adapt while maintaining core traditions. Future plans include regular seasonal performances and potential recording projects, all aimed at keeping the parang flame alive for generations to come.