Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Nakhid optimistic ahead of 2030 World Cup campaign

    Nakhid optimistic ahead of 2030 World Cup campaign

    Following Trinidad and Tobago’s unsuccessful bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Parliamentary Secretary for Sport David Nakhid has called for comprehensive rebuilding efforts to secure qualification for the 2030 tournament. The national team finished third in their CONCACAF group behind Jamaica and Curaçao, with the latter securing automatic qualification to the 2026 World Cup hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

    Trinidad and Tobago’s football history shows only one World Cup appearance at the 2006 tournament in Germany, making the recent qualification failure particularly disappointing for the football-loving nation. Jamaica remains in contention through the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March.

    In statements made outside parliament on December 9, Nakhid emphasized the necessity for structural improvements: “We must persevere and rebuild. As a nation with strong football traditions, our recent performance was inadequate. We cannot afford to consistently miss World Cup cycles. With proper development pathways and synchronization between our efforts and the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association’s vision, we can realistically target 2030 qualification.”

    Nakhid, who serves as parliamentary secretary at the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, acknowledged some progress under current coach Dwight Yorke, who assumed leadership in November 2024 with the specific objective of World Cup qualification. However, Nakhid noted that the TTFA must evaluate whether the results achieved under Yorke’s tenure met expectations.

    The future of Yorke’s leadership remains uncertain with only six months remaining on his contract, raising questions about whether he will continue to guide the team through the rebuilding phase or if new leadership will be sought to pursue the 2030 qualification campaign.

  • Private Sector Organisation launched to unify private sector voice

    Private Sector Organisation launched to unify private sector voice

    PORT OF SPAIN – A transformative development in Trinidad and Tobago’s business landscape emerged on December 10 with the formal inauguration of the Private Sector Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (PSOTT) at Hyatt Regency Trinidad. This groundbreaking initiative consolidates numerous chambers, industry associations, and business service organizations under a unified representative body.

    Under the leadership of Chairman Richard Lewis, former TTMA president and executive director of Label House Ltd, PSOTT’s primary mandate centers on representing private sector interests in national policy discussions. The organization will serve as a strategic bridge between business stakeholders and government policymakers, advocating for structural reforms to enhance economic competitiveness and diversification.

    During the launch ceremony, Lewis articulated the organization’s vision through a powerful analogy: “Imagine 25 different voices, each speaking passionately but often in different directions. Now envision those voices harmonized – clear, strong, and united. This represents our fundamental direction moving forward.”

    The newly established entity will maintain respect for existing business organizations’ autonomy while coordinating strategic policy positions. Immediate operational priorities include finalizing governance bylaws, establishing committee structures, forming an interim board, and developing a comprehensive three-year strategic plan with a detailed 12-month action agenda.

    Lewis emphasized the organization’s substantive purpose beyond structural formation: “This is not just about structure. It is about strength. It is about credibility. It is about impact.” The strategic plan will leverage subject matter experts from member organizations to support both PSOTT and relevant government ministries in implementing diversification initiatives.

    The launch event witnessed participation from key figures including Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism Kama Maharaj, alongside PSOTT deputy chairman Amjad Ali. Lewis concluded with a rallying call for collective commitment to “one team, one vision, one purpose – building Trinidad and Tobago.”

  • Steelpan Titans crush Soca Strikers by five wickets in U23 Cup

    Steelpan Titans crush Soca Strikers by five wickets in U23 Cup

    In a rescheduled second-round encounter of the Cricket West Indies/Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board Under-23 Cup, Steelpan Titans clinched their inaugural tournament victory with a commanding five-wicket triumph over Soca Strikers Under-19. The match unfolded on December 9 at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva.

    Batting first after being sent in, Soca Strikers posted a competitive total of 144/9 within their allotted 28 overs. Their innings was propelled by aggressive batting displays from Darius Battoosingh, who smashed a rapid-fire 47 runs from merely 27 deliveries, and opener Salem Khan, who contributed a steady 43 from 49 balls.

    The Titans’ bowling attack proved exceptionally effective in containing the Strikers’ batting lineup. Calvin Loubon emerged as the standout performer, claiming an impressive four wickets for just 20 runs. Nick Ramlal demonstrated his all-round capabilities by securing three crucial wickets for 17 runs, while pace bowler Jane Agard supported effectively with two dismissals for 22 runs.

    In response, Steelpan Titans reached the victory target of 146 runs with five wickets in hand, achieving the total in just 26.3 overs. The chase was masterfully anchored by Nick Ramlal, who remained not out on a match-winning 56 runs. He received valuable support from opening batsman Riyaad Mohammed, who added 32 runs to the tally, and Jayden Kent, who contributed 20 runs to the successful pursuit.

    For the previously unbeaten Soca Strikers U19, this defeat marks their first loss in two matches. Their bowling efforts were led by Daron Dhanraj, who took two wickets for 13 runs, and Renaldo Fournillier, who captured two wickets for 31 runs.

    The U23 Cup competition continues on December 10 with third-round fixtures, featuring Steelpan Titans facing Scarlet Blazers at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, while Soca Strikers U19 will seek redemption against Cocrico Warriors at the National Cricket Centre.

  • Manning: Landlord tax will leave people homeless

    Manning: Landlord tax will leave people homeless

    SAN FERNANDO EAST MP Brian Manning has issued a stark warning that Trinidad and Tobago’s proposed landlord tax could trigger widespread homelessness, escalating his political confrontation with Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo. The former finance ministry minister challenged the government’s characterization of the tax as fundamentally different from previous property tax proposals.

    In a December 9th phone interview, Manning systematically dismantled the government’s position, asserting that the landlord tax mirrors the very property tax structure that the current administration previously opposed. He revealed the tax operates on two tiers: 2.5% on annual rental income below $20,000 and 3.5% on gross annual rental income exceeding that threshold.

    “This version actually proves more expensive than what the PNM had been proposing,” Manning stated, highlighting what he called the government’s “bold-face hypocrisy.” He emphasized that even homeowners renting single rooms would be subject to the tax, potentially forcing residential property classifications to commercial status.

    The MP particularly criticized the $2,500 registration fee, noting landlords must pay this substantial amount before generating any rental income. He contextualized this within broader fiscal measures including electricity surcharges, increased alcohol costs, and new fees on imported goods through container processing charges and doubled customs declaration fees.

    Manning expressed grave concern for vulnerable populations, specifically mentioning former CEPEP and URP workers who lost their livelihoods under current policies. “The Minister of Finance, after putting 50,000 people on the breadline overnight, is now trying to also put them on the street,” he declared, predicting these measures would inevitably increase living costs beyond what many citizens can afford.

    The controversial tax legislation, detailed in the Finance Bill 2025, already passed the Lower House on December 5th and is currently undergoing Senate debate. Manning condemned the overall budget as “the most mismatched, thoughtless, confused budget that I have seen in my entire life,” warning it could decimate multiple industries while creating a housing crisis potentially requiring government-provided free housing for displaced citizens.

  • Operations HQ lift inaugural Valiance 3×3 basketball crown

    Operations HQ lift inaugural Valiance 3×3 basketball crown

    In a nail-biting championship finale, Operations HQ secured the inaugural Valiance 3×3 Inter-Station Basketball Competition title with a hard-fought 5-4 victory over Port of Spain Prison on December 5. The thrilling conclusion unfolded at the Youth Transformation and Rehabilitation Centre (YTRC) Gymnasium, showcasing exceptional defensive prowess from both finalists.

    Tournament standout Michael Straker earned Most Valuable Player honors after delivering an impressive 24-point performance throughout the competition. The championship game saw Straker account for all five of his team’s points, demonstrating remarkable composure under pressure.

    The title match was characterized by strategic, deliberate play with both teams implementing disciplined defensive structures. Scoring opportunities proved scarce throughout the intense matchup, with each possession carrying significant weight. Operations HQ ultimately created a decisive late-game advantage to claim the historic victory.

    In the third-place playoff, host team YTRC delivered a resilient performance despite losing a key player to injury. The squad demonstrated exceptional collective effort and late-game composure to edge Garage 10-9 in another tightly contested battle.

    The two-day tournament (December 4-5) featured eight teams representing various divisions within the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service. Following group stage matches on the opening day, all teams advanced to the knockout bracket phase.

    Assistant Commissioner of Prisons Ricardo Dass praised the event’s success, noting strong participation and engagement levels that met organizational objectives. He indicated the tournament has potential to become an annual fixture, possibly with multiple editions each year to support staff wellness and national qualification ambitions.

    Final tournament standings placed Operations HQ first, followed by Port of Spain Prison, Youth Transformation and Rehabilitation Centre, Garage, Administration, Golden Grove Prison, Maximum Security Prison, and Operations.

  • TCL, Red Cross team up to donate supplies to Jamaica

    TCL, Red Cross team up to donate supplies to Jamaica

    In a powerful demonstration of corporate solidarity, international cement conglomerate Cemex and its subsidiary Trinidad Cement Ltd (TCL) have mobilized a worldwide humanitarian response to address the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. The comprehensive relief initiative, branded ‘Together for Jamaica,’ has generated substantial donations of critical supplies including non-perishable food items, infant care products, and essential hygiene kits through an organization-wide fundraising campaign.

    The multinational effort engaged employees, distribution networks, suppliers, and business partners across Cemex’s global operations, with the corporation matching all contributions received. Remarkably, TCL employees in Trinidad and Tobago exhibited extraordinary generosity by not only donating physical supplies but also converting their vacation days into monetary contributions for the relief effort.

    Francisco Aguilera, Managing Director of TCL Group, emphasized the initiative reflects the organization’s fundamental commitment to supporting neighboring communities during their most challenging times. ‘I am profoundly proud of our employees who demonstrated tremendous generosity, offering both essential supplies and personal contributions that reflect a deep sense of compassion and regional unity,’ Aguilera stated.

    The companies have established a strategic partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society to ensure efficient distribution of aid. Red Cross Director General Stephan Kishore highlighted the critical importance of such collaborations during emergency response operations, acknowledging TCL’s leadership and the heartfelt contributions from its employees.

    Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 27 as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, representing the most powerful hurricane ever recorded to hit the island nation. The disaster resulted in 45 fatalities and widespread destruction across multiple parishes, with severe flooding submerging numerous homes and displacing thousands of families. Communication networks in rural areas remained compromised well into November. According to United Nations assessments, the storm caused approximately US$6 billion in damages, equivalent to 30% of Jamaica’s GDP, with economic impacts expected to escalate further.

    The humanitarian campaign aligns with Cemex and TCL’s broader social responsibility framework, which prioritizes community resilience, strategic humanitarian partnerships, and empowering Caribbean populations during crises. Through their collaboration with the Red Cross, the companies ensure all donated resources reach the most vulnerable communities in Jamaica, supporting both immediate recovery efforts and long-term regional reconstruction.

  • Trinidad and Tobago teams gear up for Jewels of the Caribbean

    Trinidad and Tobago teams gear up for Jewels of the Caribbean

    Trinidad and Tobago prepares to showcase its emerging female football talent as the DecembHER Football – Jewels of the Caribbean tournament returns from December 15-21. The annual competition will feature both under-17 and under-20 categories, with host nation TT fielding two teams in each division alongside regional rivals Jamaica and United States-based club Indy Premier.

    Multiple venues across Trinidad will host matches throughout the week-long event, including the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, and Sangre Grande recreation ground. The tournament culminates with both category finals scheduled for December 21 at Hasely Crawford Stadium.

    The competition begins with TT’s under-17 teams facing Indy Premier and Jamaica in a December 15 double-header at Hasely Crawford Stadium, while the under-20 squads open their campaign with similar fixtures at Ato Boldon Stadium on December 16. Following round-robin play, the top two teams from each category will advance to the championship matches.

    Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards emphasized the tournament’s significance, stating: “Hosting Jewels of the Caribbean reflects our commitment to raising women’s football standards and providing meaningful international competition for our young female athletes. This represents an exciting period for TTFA as we continue growing programs that inspire the nation.”

    The tournament holds particular importance as preparation for TT’s upcoming 2026 Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers scheduled for January 24-February 2. Trinidad and Tobago will compete in Group F alongside Barbados, Curacao, El Salvador, and Guadeloupe, with the top six group winners and two best second-place teams advancing to join regionally ranked powerhouses Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the United States in the final round.

    Historical context adds drama to this year’s competition: In the 2023 under-17 tournament, TT claimed victory with a 2-0 win over St Vincent and the Grenadines powered by Orielle Martin’s brace. The talented attacking midfielder continued her impressive form in the 2024 under-20 edition, scoring six goals to claim the golden boot award despite TT’s 2-1 finals loss to Jamaica.

    Team selections for TT’s Jewels of the Caribbean squads are expected to be finalized before week’s end, marking the beginning of an intensive period of development for the country’s rising female football stars.

  • Windies dismissed for 205 on day 1 of 2nd Test vs NZ

    Windies dismissed for 205 on day 1 of 2nd Test vs NZ

    New Zealand’s pace attack delivered a commanding performance on the opening day of the second Test against West Indies at Wellington’s Basin Reserve on December 10, bowling out the visitors for 205 after inserting them to bat first.

    Seamers Blair Tickner (4/32) and debutant Michael Rae (3/67) spearheaded the Black Caps’ bowling effort, with Tickner’s fiery spell unfortunately cut short by a shoulder injury that required him to be stretchered off the field. The West Indies innings unraveled dramatically in the final session, losing their last six wickets for just 30 runs after showing early promise.

    The Caribbean side began steadily with openers John Campbell (44 off 87 balls) and Brandon King (33 off 55) building a 66-run foundation. However, Tickner’s breakthrough—trapping King lbw—triggered a collapse that saw the tourists struggle against New Zealand’s persistent seam movement and short-pitched tactics.

    Top-scorer Shai Hope (48 off 80) provided resistance before succumbing to Tickner’s well-directed bouncer, while captain Roston Chase (29) looked settled until being clean-bowled by the injured Tickner. Debutant Rae recovered from a nervous start to claim crucial wickets, including the dangerous Justin Greaves who had scored a double-century in the first Test.

    New Zealand’s openers Devon Conway (16*) and Tom Latham (7*) navigated nine testing overs from West Indies’ pacers to reach 24/0 at stumps, trailing by 181 runs with all wickets intact.

  • Tabaquite Carollers keep an old tradition alive

    Tabaquite Carollers keep an old tradition alive

    For over fourteen years, the Tabaquite Carollers have revitalized the ancestral practice of Christmas caroling across their rural community, transforming December evenings into celebrations of faith and unity. This women-led initiative, coordinated by Reena Donna De Leon, represents both cultural preservation and spiritual ministry, blending traditional hymns with local parang music while nurturing the next generation’s moral development.

    The ensemble traces its origins to earlier community pioneers like Bernadette ‘Auntie Bunny’ Badal, formally organizing in 2011 to continue their legacy. Today, approximately 30 children aged 3-15 from diverse religious and socioeconomic backgrounds participate annually. The program transcends musical performance by emphasizing almsgiving, compassion, and evangelical outreach as core values.

    Throughout December, the carolers process along TPD Road, Manuel Junction, and recently expanded routes including Brothers Road, where residents enthusiastically receive them. Community engagement manifests through homemade treats and financial contributions, though De Leon stresses the initiative prioritizes spiritual enrichment over monetary gain. Remarkably, children reinvest collected funds into Christmas celebrations for 120 underprivileged youth and food hampers for struggling families.

    Despite challenges like limited parental involvement and safety concerns in isolated areas, the group maintains rigorous protocols with support from the Tabaquite Village Council and transportation assistance from community members. De Leon envisions this project as a pilot model for national revival of community-based traditions, advocating for renewed emphasis on moral stability amidst technological distractions.

    The coordinator’s fundamental message urges communities: ‘Embrace public expressions of faith. Guide youth toward positive values and courageous evangelism. Christmas’s true meaning must be lived through joyful fellowship and service.’

  • Ex-cop found dead months after mother’s death

    Ex-cop found dead months after mother’s death

    The Bedasse family of Cedros, Trinidad, has been struck by a second profound tragedy within months following the apparent suicide of 34-year-old Russell Bedasse, a former police officer, on December 9. The incident compounds an ongoing family crisis stemming from the controversial death of his mother, Shelawaithie “Meera” Bedasse, whose body was discovered at Clifton Hill Beach in Point Fortin on September 24.

    Russell Bedasse, who had served eleven years with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service before his recent resignation, had been immersed in intense grief and public advocacy following his mother’s death. Despite official police classification of her death as suicide, Bedasse maintained that his mother had been murdered, with perpetrators attempting to disguise the crime. His relentless pursuit of justice included scrutinizing phone records that revealed suspicious activity during her final hours.

    The psychological toll on Bedasse was exacerbated by previous trauma—eleven years prior, he had responded to a suicide call only to discover his own father as the victim. This historical trauma resurfaced dramatically during his mother’s case. In late September, expressing frustration with the investigation’s progress, Bedasse resigned from the police service, delivering his badge and resignation letter to the Cedros Police Station where he had last been stationed.

    His public criticism of police handling of the case included social media posts that garnered significant attention. Subsequently, Bedasse posted a viral TikTok video offering a “public apology” to the police service, characterizing his behavior as “out of character and stemmed from a place of deep emotional distress.” The video revealed the depth of his psychological struggle, connecting his current anguish to the trauma of discovering his father’s suicide years earlier.

    The dual tragedies highlight ongoing concerns about mental health support for first responders and the complex emotional dimensions of unsolved death investigations. Local authorities continue to investigate both deaths while mental health resources remain available through Lifeline (800-5588, 866-5433, or 220-3636) and emergency services (990, 811, or 999).