Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Understanding diabetes in children

    Understanding diabetes in children

    Diabetes, traditionally viewed as an adult health concern, is increasingly affecting children, prompting medical experts to address its causes, symptoms, and management strategies. Dr. Leonardo Akan, a pediatric endocrinologist, highlights the critical role of insulin in regulating blood sugar levels. Insulin, a hormone, facilitates the uptake of sugar by cells, ensuring balanced glucose levels and storing excess sugar for future use. Disruptions in this system can lead to diabetes mellitus (DM), with Type 1 and Type 2 being the most common forms in children.

    Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, necessitating insulin replacement. Genetic predisposition, viral infections, dietary factors, and geographic location (linked to vitamin D levels) can trigger this condition. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is often associated with obesity, poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, and genetic or ethnic factors. Certain ethnic groups, including African, Hispanic, Indian, and Asian populations, are at higher risk, as are children born to mothers with gestational diabetes or obesity.

    Symptoms of diabetes in children include frequent urination, increased thirst, weight loss, fatigue, headaches, and blurry vision. Severe symptoms like fruity-smelling breath, rapid breathing, or confusion may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical attention. Diagnosis involves blood sugar tests, urine tests, and glycosylated hemoglobin A1C tests.

    Once diagnosed, children should be referred to specialized healthcare teams for comprehensive management. Dr. Akan emphasizes the importance of parental support, encouraging self-care, open communication, and maintaining routines. Dietitian Dana Chong stresses the need for balanced meals with consistent carbohydrate intake to stabilize blood sugar levels, especially for children on insulin.

    Dr. Akan advises parents to educate themselves about diabetes care, empowering them to make informed health decisions for their children. Healthy living, including proper nutrition and physical activity, is essential for effective diabetes management.

  • AG: US to ‘intensify exercises’ in Trinidad and Tobago

    AG: US to ‘intensify exercises’ in Trinidad and Tobago

    Attorney General John Jeremie has disclosed that the United States will escalate its military exercises in Trinidad and Tobago in the near future. This revelation was made during an interview with the UK Financial Times on November 13, following the arrival of the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit in Trinidad aboard the USS Gravely. The unit conducted joint military exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force from October 26 to 30. Jeremie emphasized the ongoing collaboration with the US, stating, ‘We are engaged with our friends in the north in a series of exercises.’ This announcement coincides with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s declaration on the same day regarding the launch of Operation Southern Spear. Hegseth described the operation as a measure to ‘protect’ the US from narco-terrorists, asserting that ‘the Western hemisphere is America’s neighbourhood – and we will protect it.’ He also confirmed that the operation was initiated under the directive of US President Donald Trump.

  • Hillview clinch SSFL boys’ ‘Big 5’ crown with win over Speyside

    Hillview clinch SSFL boys’ ‘Big 5’ crown with win over Speyside

    Hillview College has solidified its dominance in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) by securing the First Citizens Boys’ ‘Big 5’ championship division playoffs. On November 12, the team achieved a decisive 2-0 victory over Speyside Secondary at their home ground in Tunapuna. This win marks their fourth consecutive triumph in the tournament, further cementing their status as this year’s champions. Khalid Jones, the standout player of the match, scored both goals in the eighth and fifteenth minutes, setting the tone for Hillview’s commanding performance. Speyside, the Tobago championship division winners, faced their first loss in the five-team competition, having had their previous three matches postponed due to inter-island travel challenges. They are now set to play rescheduled games against Mucurapo West Secondary, Palo Seco, and Presentation College Chaguanas. Meanwhile, Palo Seco, the south championship division victors, secured their first Big 5 win with a 2-1 victory over central champions ‘Pres.’ With Mucurapo West currently in second place, the race for promotion to the premier division for the 2026 campaign remains intense. Hillview College, with 12 points, leads the standings, followed by Mucurapo West with six points and Palo Seco with three.

  • Pastor prays for murdered cousin’s killers

    Pastor prays for murdered cousin’s killers

    The community of Windsor Park in California, Couva, gathered on November 13 to bid farewell to Vishnu Lalla, a 63-year-old livestock farmer remembered for his kindness, love of nature, and unwavering work ethic. Lalla’s life was tragically cut short when he was kidnapped from his home on November 8 and found dead in a forested area off Brechin Castle Road the following day. He had been shot in the head, and his grey Toyota Hilux was discovered burned, with a ransom demand of $100,000 made for his safe return. A 9mm shell casing was found at the scene, and investigations have led to the detention of a policeman and two civilians suspected of involvement in the crime. The funeral, held at Lalla’s home, was officiated by Pastor Ralph Sawh, who prayed for justice and comfort for the grieving family. Lalla’s sister Molly, who lives abroad, delivered an emotional tribute, recalling their deep bond and her brother’s selfless nature. Nephew Ishwar remembered Lalla as a father figure who lived with a big heart, always making time for others. The body was later cremated at the Waterloo Cremation Site, leaving the community to mourn the loss of a man who touched many lives with his generosity and love.

  • Signal Hill thump St Anthony’s 4-0 in SSFL

    Signal Hill thump St Anthony’s 4-0 in SSFL

    Signal Hill Secondary continued their impressive late-season surge in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premiership standings with a commanding 4-0 victory over St Anthony’s College on November 13. The match, held at Signal Hill’s home ground in Tobago, showcased the team’s determination to challenge for the title. Jermaine Morgan opened the scoring in the 17th minute, followed by J’Meke Watkins, who doubled the lead just five minutes later. After halftime, Kyle James extended the advantage in the 49th minute, and Immanual Wright sealed the emphatic win with a fourth goal in the 79th minute. The result propelled Signal Hill into fourth place in the standings, tied with St Anthony’s on 25 points but with a superior goal difference. In another rescheduled fixture, Scarborough Secondary secured a crucial 4-1 victory against Trinity East, though they remain in the relegation zone. The league resumes on November 17, with Signal Hill set to face St Augustine Secondary in another pivotal match. The final rounds of the season promise intense competition, with Signal Hill potentially challenging league leaders Naparima College for the title on November 27.

  • Bringing compassion back to Trinidad and Tobago

    Bringing compassion back to Trinidad and Tobago

    In a significant step toward safeguarding public welfare, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has pledged to introduce comprehensive fireworks legislation by the end of this year. This initiative, aimed at addressing noise pollution, has been widely praised as a compassionate and long-overdue measure. The proposed legislation seeks to protect all citizens, including vulnerable groups, pets, and wildlife, marking a pivotal moment in fostering a more considerate society.

    For years, fete promoters and fireworks distributors have prioritized louder and more extravagant displays, often disregarding the adverse effects on communities. Despite ample opportunities to adopt responsible practices, their actions have consistently fallen short. This new legislation underscores the necessity of holding such entities accountable, ensuring that those who fail to self-regulate face appropriate consequences.

    The Citizens Against Noise Pollution in TT have aptly highlighted the issue, stating, ‘Blasting music at 2 am is not culture – it’s noise pollution.’ This sentiment resonates with many who have long endured the disruptive impacts of unchecked noise and fireworks. As the nation awaits further details on the proposed measures, there is cautious optimism that this legislation will herald a new era of respect and responsibility.

  • Naparima manager: SSFL title in our hands

    Naparima manager: SSFL title in our hands

    Naparima College has reclaimed the top spot in the 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division, positioning themselves as the frontrunners for the title. Their 1-0 victory against St Mary’s College on November 10 propelled them to 34 points, one point ahead of St Benedict’s College. With only one match remaining, Naparima’s manager, Percy Samlalsingh, emphasized the importance of securing a win in their final game to clinch the championship. Despite describing their recent performance as their worst of the season, Samlalsingh highlighted the team’s resilience in overcoming a mid-season slump that saw them earn just one point in three matches. The team now looks forward to their decisive match against Signal Hill on November 27, which could secure their fifth premier division title, having previously won in 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019. Samlalsingh also noted the team’s significant improvement from last season, where they finished seventh, and expressed optimism about bringing another trophy to Naparima College.

  • Woodbrook residents: Tackle Port of Spain noise levels too

    Woodbrook residents: Tackle Port of Spain noise levels too

    Residents of Woodbrook in Port of Spain have voiced their support for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s recent ban on fetes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, citing long-standing grievances over excessive noise pollution. Lynette Dolly, a prominent Woodbrook homeowner and head of the Woodbrook Resident’s Committee, highlighted the community’s frustration with unregulated noise from major venues like the QP Savannah, QP Oval, and Hasely Crawford Stadium. Speaking to Newsday on November 13, Dolly emphasized the need for balanced regulations that allow both entertainment and peace for residents. The Prime Minister’s announcement on November 12 included an immediate halt to fetes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy and a pledge to introduce legislation by the end of 2025 to address noise pollution, fireworks, and designated quiet hours. Dolly noted that while some venues, like the Hasely Crawford Stadium, have made compromises to control noise, others, particularly the QP Savannah, continue to disrupt the community with loud music that can be heard across multiple neighborhoods. Residents also expressed concerns about music trucks that cause vibrations strong enough to shake homes and damage property. Dolly called for stricter enforcement of noise regulations to ensure that entertainment activities do not infringe on residents’ right to tranquility.

  • Melly Rose’s Wah Yuh Want on Canada’s Office Movers

    Melly Rose’s Wah Yuh Want on Canada’s Office Movers

    Soca artist Melly Rose’s 2022 single ‘Wah Yuh Want,’ featuring Sekon Sta, has secured a spot in the second season of the popular Canadian television comedy series, ‘Office Movers.’ The show streams on Crave, a leading Canadian streaming platform. Produced by Kasey Phillips of Precision Productions, this inclusion marks a significant achievement for Melly Rose and the broader Caribbean music industry. In a press release, Melly Rose expressed her pride, calling it a ‘proud and powerful movement’ for herself and Caribbean music. The release emphasized that this feature highlights the global appeal of soca music and the increasing recognition of Caribbean artists on the international stage. The second season of ‘Office Movers’ will also showcase tracks from other renowned Caribbean soca artists, including Iwer George, College Boy Jesse, Teddyson John, Badjohn Republic, and Preedy. Additionally, Trinidadian comedian Gervail ‘Jr Lee’ Lemo will make his debut on the show. Melly Rose shared her excitement, stating, ‘This is such a big moment for me and for Caribbean music as a whole. Hearing ‘Wah Yuh Want’ in an international TV show for the first time is indescribable. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who made this possible, especially Kasey Phillips from Precision Productions for his exceptional work in syncing the tracks and securing this feature. It’s an honor to see our soca music and culture represented and celebrated on this level.’

  • Hope calls for urgent fix of Windies’ powerplay failures: It’s been our Achilles heel

    Hope calls for urgent fix of Windies’ powerplay failures: It’s been our Achilles heel

    The West Indies’ T20 International series against New Zealand concluded on a disappointing note on November 13, 2025, as the visitors delivered their most lackluster performance in the decisive fifth match. Suffering an eight-wicket defeat, the Caribbean side handed the series victory to the Black Caps without much resistance. This loss underscored the persistent issues that have haunted the West Indies throughout the competition, particularly their top-order batting collapse, which proved fatal in the final game. Captain Shai Hope identified the team’s inability to adapt as the primary reason for their downfall. ‘The power play has been our Achilles heel for this series,’ Hope remarked. ‘As batters, we failed to assess and adapt as quickly as needed.’ Despite the criticism, Hope praised the lower-order batsmen for their resilience, acknowledging their efforts to salvage difficult situations. He emphasized the need for smarter, more assertive batting to disrupt the opposition’s bowlers. ‘We need to be more precise with our stroke play and not allow good bowlers to settle,’ he explained. Hope also highlighted the growing consistency of all-rounder Romario Shepherd, whose crucial contributions with the ball were instrumental in the team’s solitary series win. As the West Indies shift their focus to the upcoming ODI series, Hope stressed that immediate improvements are essential to turn their fortunes around.