Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Financial checks every family should do before the new year

    Financial checks every family should do before the new year

    As the calendar year draws to a close amidst seasonal celebrations and holiday spending, financial experts emphasize the critical importance of year-end financial assessments. This period offers a strategic window for families to evaluate their fiscal health and implement protective measures for the coming year.

    Financial advisors recommend five fundamental checks to ensure financial stability entering 2026. First, insurance policies require comprehensive review, particularly following life events such as marriages, career changes, or income fluctuations. Coverage adequacy for health, life, and critical illness insurance must be assessed relative to age and family medical history to prevent potential financial vulnerabilities.

    Second, beneficiary designations demand verification—a frequently neglected yet crucial task. Ensuring accurate spelling and intended recipient listing in all policies can prevent protracted legal complications and unnecessary expenses. This simple five-minute verification process offers disproportionate long-term protection.

    Third, emergency fund evaluation remains paramount. Households should maintain minimum three-month expense reserves, assess any current-year withdrawals, and plan necessary replenishments for early 2026. Financial stability fundamentally depends on robust emergency preparedness.

    Fourth, debt audit procedures require systematic implementation. Listing all outstanding obligations—credit cards, loans, hire purchases—enables identification of high-interest liabilities. Developing strategic reduction or elimination plans for 2026 forms the foundation of financial liberation.

    Fifth, budgetary analysis provides critical insights. Examining actual versus projected expenditures helps distinguish necessary expenses from emotional spending patterns. Adjusting future budgets to align with financial objectives represents one of the most effective wealth-building strategies.

    These year-end financial rituals transform seasonal festivities into opportunities for creating family security and economic confidence. Professional financial guidance is recommended for policy reviews and goal establishment, providing families with protective assurance and financial clarity as they transition into the new year.

  • Christmas wish for competence

    Christmas wish for competence

    Residents of Greenvale Park, La Horquetta are confronting what they describe as systemic governmental neglect and political favoritism that compromises both infrastructure maintenance and essential services. According to longtime resident Arthur Dash, the community operates under a dual system of ‘contactocracy and contractocracy’ where garbage collection and flood prevention measures depend more on political connections than equitable public service distribution.

    The area, which endured catastrophic flooding in 2018, faces renewed risks as critical water management infrastructure remains dangerously neglected. The primary retention pond is now completely overgrown with vegetation, while uncleared bridges and choked waterways create perfect conditions for another disaster. Despite these visible hazards, authorities appear reliant on fortune rather than proactive intervention.

    Post-election service deterioration has exacerbated living conditions. Garbage collection has become irregular at best, leading to public health concerns as stray animals scatter waste and insect populations multiply. Bulk waste removal services demonstrate apparent cronyism, with trucks reportedly serving only ‘streets of affiliation’ rather than the entire community.

    Additional complications arise from Frederick Settlement Industrial Estate employees parking commercial vehicles along residential roads not designed for such traffic. This obstruction now prevents public transportation from accessing certain areas, particularly affecting elderly residents’ mobility.

    Local MP Phillip Watts faces sharp criticism for perceived absence beyond photo opportunities. The community demands merit-based governance rather than seasonal political attention, emphasizing that flood prevention and basic services shouldn’t require personal connections to implement.

    The Tunapuna/Piarco Regional Corporation’s offer of a single December service day has been dismissed as tokenism rather than genuine problem-solving. Residents argue that as tax-paying citizens, they deserve consistent services equivalent to other communities receiving triple-weekly collections.

    With another rainy season approaching, Greenvale Park stands as a case study in how administrative lethargy transforms natural weather patterns into human-made disasters, where political promiscuity during election cycles gives way to operational abandonment thereafter.

  • Tobago decides

    Tobago decides

    The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election campaign has commenced with profound implications that extend far beyond the island’s shores, marking significant shifts in Tobago’s political landscape. TPP leader Farley Augustine officially launched his campaign on December 1st amid extraordinary circumstances that have elevated foreign policy matters to unprecedented prominence in a local election.

    The upcoming vote, scheduled for January 12th, will serve as the first electoral test of the controversial decision to permit the United States to install military-grade radar systems at the ANR Robinson International Airport. This development has effectively transformed the local election into a de facto referendum on both Mr. Augustine’s leadership and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration.

    Recent diplomatic efforts have eased initial tensions between Tobago and the central government regarding the radar installation. Following Mr. Augustine’s initial claims of being uninformed about the project details and the Prime Minister’s assertion that he didn’t require full disclosure, Attorney General John Jeremie and Defence Minister Wayne Sturge were dispatched to thoroughly brief the Tobago People’s Party leader.

    The TPP leadership has subsequently embraced the radar project, with former THA councillor Certica Williams-Orr characterizing it as a ‘Christmas gift’ and Tobago East MP David Thomas affirming its necessity. Mr. Augustine now expresses confidence that the equipment won’t be used for offensive operations, while acknowledging Trinidad and Tobago’s limited influence over US foreign policy decisions.

    This election represents the TPP’s first THA contest since its formation in 2023 when Mr. Augustine separated from Watson Duke’s Progressive Democratic Patriots. The party enters the race strengthened by its sweeping victory in both Tobago seats during the April 28th general election, potentially signaling the decline of Mr. Duke’s political influence.

    The opposition PNM faces its own challenges, attempting to recover from significant losses in both the 2021 and recent April elections. The defection of Keigon Denoon, the popular Tobago West constituency chairman, to the TPP further complicates the PNM’s path to recovery.

    Meanwhile, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has maintained strong ties with Mr. Augustine, even adopting the TPP’s ‘anchor’ motto during her November visit to Tobago. While hoteliers express concerns about potential negative impacts on tourism revenue from the radar installation, the Prime Minister’s administration has facilitated substantial economic benefits through licensing agreements that have generated billions in aggregate revenues.

    Tobagonians will ultimately deliver their verdict on these complex matters when they cast their ballots in January, determining both the island’s political direction and the broader implications of enhanced surveillance capabilities at Crown Point.

  • Happy Merry Green Christmas!

    Happy Merry Green Christmas!

    As festive seasons approach, environmental expert Anjani Ganase advocates for a fundamental shift in Christmas celebrations, urging communities to prioritize meaningful gift-giving that benefits both recipients and the planet. The traditional commercialized approach has created alarming environmental consequences that demand immediate attention.

    Globally, plastic waste surges by approximately 30% during Christmas festivities, primarily from product packaging, food wrappers, decorations, and gift wrapping materials. This plastic deluge predominantly ends up in landfills, with significant portions eventually polluting marine ecosystems. Compounding this issue, studies reveal that 18-30% of Christmas gifts remain unused, representing billions in wasted resources annually.

    Food waste presents another critical concern during the holiday period. United Kingdom data indicates the disposal of two million turkeys, five million Christmas puddings, and 74 million mince pies during seasonal celebrations. This wastage accounts for 17% of all holiday-generated food, totaling 931 million tonnes of discarded sustenance. The environmental impact extends beyond mere quantity, as decomposing food in landfills generates substantial greenhouse gas emissions while squandering valuable resources including labor, transportation, water, and land.

    Ganase proposes transformative strategies for sustainable celebrations:

    Experience-Based Gifting: Instead of material presents, consider gifting local tourism experiences in Trinidad and Tobago. Options range from waterfall hikes and culinary tours to community visits and nature retreats. Wellness certificates, Carnival fitness packages, or skill-development classes in activities like sailing or steelpan playing offer memorable alternatives that support local businesses.

    Local Artisan Support: Purchasing from small businesses that utilize seasonal ingredients or recycled materials strengthens community economies while reducing carbon footprints. Seasonal specialties like ponche de crème, black cake, and artisanal crafts represent both cultural preservation and environmental responsibility.

    Plastic-Free Presentation: Embrace creative wrapping solutions using recycled fabrics, newspapers, or reusable containers. Traditional ribbon and twine can replace tape, while natural decorations add aesthetic appeal without environmental cost.

    Sustainable Children’s Gifts: Opt for durable, non-plastic alternatives like wooden educational toys, sporting equipment, or exploration kits that encourage outdoor activities and can be passed between generations.

    The movement toward eco-conscious celebrations emphasizes gifts that foster community connections, create lasting memories, and demonstrate genuine environmental stewardship—proving that the most valuable presents aren’t necessarily wrapped in plastic.

  • PSA President’s response to CPO offer: We want the cash

    PSA President’s response to CPO offer: We want the cash

    A significant dispute has emerged between Trinidad and Tobago’s Public Services Association (PSA) and the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) regarding the payment structure of a $3.8 billion backpay settlement for public service workers.

    PSA President Felisha Thomas has taken an unequivocal stance against the government’s proposal to distribute the substantial backpay amount through a combination of cash and non-cash benefits. Thomas maintains that her mandate from union members requires full cash payment without alternative compensation mechanisms.

    The conflict intensified following December 2 statements from CPO Daryl Dindial, who outlined the government’s position that the massive payout needed careful financial management. Dindial explained that while a $500 million ‘advance on arrears’ would be distributed before December 23, the complete $3.8 billion settlement remains subject to ongoing negotiations regarding disbursement methods and timing.

    Dindial emphasized fiscal responsibility, stating: “We need to ensure the public doesn’t perceive government borrowing $3.8 billion as reckless. The government operates responsibly and has provided the CPO with broad negotiation guidelines.” He further noted that Finance Minister allocations hadn’t specifically provided for these arrears, requiring the ministry to identify appropriate funding sources.

    Thomas vehemently rejected these explanations, citing contradictory statements from Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, who told reporters on November 26 that the government indeed possessed sufficient funds for the payment. This contradiction prompted Thomas to question: “Is the CPO lying, or is he calling the finance minister a liar?”

    Despite the payment method disagreement, both parties confirmed that negotiations continue productively. The PSA and CPO have already reached agreement on multiple components including a ten percent wage increase for 2014-2019 periods, cost of living adjustments, new salary structures effective January 2014, and various allowance enhancements covering meals, housing, transportation, and vehicle provisions.

    Thomas affirmed that negotiation processes remain uninterrupted, noting: “I see nothing affecting negotiations. Both parties have their positions and we engage in discussion.” Further negotiations regarding the complete arrears payment are scheduled to resume in January.

  • UWI spotlights production of its high-quality field station milk

    UWI spotlights production of its high-quality field station milk

    The University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine’s Faculty of Food and Agriculture (FFA) has showcased its advanced dairy production system through a special digital publication released during World Quality Week 2025 (November 10-14). The publication highlights the institution’s commitment to agricultural excellence through its vertically integrated milk production process at the Valsayn Field Station.

    Under the guidance of Dr. Martin Hughes, Deputy Dean of Farms, the FFA maintains complete oversight of the production chain—from pasture management to bottled milk distribution. The operation begins with carefully nurtured mulato grass, specifically cultivated for its nutritional richness, which forms the primary diet for the dairy herd. The faculty recognizes that animal welfare directly impacts product quality, implementing comprehensive veterinary monitoring and maintaining pristine living conditions for the cattle.

    The milking process incorporates rigorous hygiene protocols aligned with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). Stockmen meticulously sanitize both udders and equipment before each milking session. Following extraction, milk undergoes immediate pasteurization in a dedicated facility where precise temperature controls eliminate pathogens while preserving nutritional integrity and flavor profiles.

    Quality verification continues with laboratory testing that confirms both pasteurization effectiveness and nutritional composition. The bottling process occurs in sanitized environments designed to prevent contamination, with finished products rapidly moving to refrigerated storage until distribution.

    The FFA’s publication emphasizes that quality represents an institutional culture rather than mere compliance. This philosophy aligns with the 2025 World Quality Week theme ‘Quality: Think Differently,’ positioning the milk as an exemplar of preventive, data-driven agricultural science. Consumers can purchase the premium dairy product at UWI Field Station sales offices and select local supermarkets.

  • The saga of CL Financial

    The saga of CL Financial

    The protracted liquidation saga of Caribbean conglomerate CL Financial has reached a critical juncture, with mounting calls for restoring shareholder governance after more than a decade under court-appointed supervision. The company’s dramatic collapse in 2009 during Trinidad and Tobago’s liquidity crisis created one of the region’s most complex corporate failures, prompting unprecedented state intervention that continues to reverberate through Caribbean financial markets.

    Since January 2009, CL Financial has operated under the control of liquidators who have managed asset dispositions and operational decisions. However, growing concerns about transparency, accountability, and shareholder rights have sparked legal challenges and intensified demands for governance normalization. Recent developments, including the abandoned sale of Trincity Mall after shareholder legal intervention, highlight the escalating tensions between current oversight and ownership rights.

    Three fundamental arguments drive the movement for governance restoration. First, the extraordinary duration of liquidation—exceeding fifteen years—represents an unreasonable suspension of democratic corporate governance. Second, multiple court cases have revealed concerning transparency gaps, including questions about liquidators’ remuneration and asset valuation methodologies. Third, shareholder groups led by major stakeholders like Dalco Management have demonstrated increasing capacity and willingness to assume governance responsibilities.

    The case for shareholder restoration hinges on fundamental corporate principles: capital providers should retain governance rights through elected directors. While the initial crisis justified extraordinary measures to protect depositors and policyholders, the current phase requires normalized governance structures. A transition plan could maintain liquidators for asset realization while empowering shareholder-elected boards for strategic oversight, balancing creditor protection with ownership rights.

    Critics who cite ongoing stability concerns must acknowledge that perpetual external control undermines market confidence and corporate recovery prospects. The Caribbean financial ecosystem deserves resolution mechanisms that respect both crisis management necessities and long-term governance norms. CL Financial’s path forward should embrace modern corporate governance, independent auditing, and transparent operations to restore market confidence and enable strategic repositioning.

    This governance transition represents more than procedural change—it signifies the restoration of fundamental investment principles and offers a template for resolving complex corporate failures while respecting shareholder rights across emerging markets.

  • Naparima College hosts Paradise Parang on December 5

    Naparima College hosts Paradise Parang on December 5

    San Fernando prepares for an immersive cultural experience as Naparima College presents its acclaimed NAPS Paradise Parang event on December 5th. The Offside Restaurant and Bar will transform into a holiday celebration venue starting at 8 PM, featuring an innovative blend of traditional parang music with contemporary interpretations.

    This year’s musical lineup showcases exceptional talent including Jerome “Rome” Precilla with his pioneering soca-parang fusion, Timothy “Baron” Watkins performing cherished Christmas classics, and acclaimed ensembles Viva Jesús and Fuego Caribeño presenting authentic parang traditions. The event has evolved into a signature celebration on the school’s annual calendar, offering attendees an early immersion into the holiday spirit.

    Beyond musical entertainment, the event serves a significant philanthropic purpose. Proceeds from ticket sales directly support educational initiatives and development programs for Naparima College students. This alignment with the institution’s “Putting Students First” philosophy ensures that community enjoyment translates into tangible educational benefits.

    Devin Kissoon, Vice-President and Chairman of NAPS’ events committee, emphasized the dual purpose of the celebration: “We’ve created an experience that honors our cultural heritage while building meaningful support systems for current students. The event strengthens connections between alumni, parents, and the broader community while directly funding student resources and enhancement programs.”

    The Paradise Parang represents how cultural preservation and educational advancement can harmoniously coexist, transforming musical celebration into a vehicle for positive community impact and student development.

  • Ex-World Cup goalkeeper Shaka Hislop reveals cancer battle

    Ex-World Cup goalkeeper Shaka Hislop reveals cancer battle

    Former Trinidad and Tobago international goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, now a prominent ESPN football analyst, has publicly disclosed his ongoing struggle with prostate cancer through a heartfelt social media video shared on December 3.

    Hislop revealed that his diagnosis came approximately 18 months ago during a routine annual medical examination. Subsequent medical investigations, including an MRI and biopsy, confirmed the presence of an aggressive form of prostate cancer. By mid-2025, the cancer had metastasized to his pelvic bone, necessitating an intensive treatment regimen that recently concluded with over seven weeks of radiation therapy.

    In his moving testimony, the former professional athlete emphasized the critical importance of regular health screenings, particularly for men over 50. He specifically highlighted the increased risk for men of African descent, recommending they begin prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing as early as age 40.

    The football community has rallied in support of Hislop, with nearly 400 messages of encouragement appearing online by midday on December 4. Hislop’s distinguished career included memorable performances for Trinidad and Tobago’s national team during the 1990s and 2000s, most notably his exceptional showing against Sweden in the 2006 FIFA World Cup where he secured a 0-0 draw despite his team playing with ten men for half the match.

    Hislop concluded his message with a note of determination, stating: ‘The journey continues,’ demonstrating his resolve to battle the illness with the same perseverance he displayed throughout his athletic career.

  • Tershawna Glasgow tops Japanese speech contest

    Tershawna Glasgow tops Japanese speech contest

    The eighth annual Japanese Speech Contest, a collaborative initiative between the Embassy of Japan and the Centre for Language Learning at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, successfully convened on November 29. Held at the CLL auditorium, the event underscored the growing cultural and educational exchange between Japan and Trinidad and Tobago.

    Japanese Ambassador Dr. Akima Umezawa inaugurated the proceedings with a keynote address emphasizing the contest’s pivotal role in fostering bilateral relations. He articulated that the platform significantly contributes to the proliferation of Japanese language acquisition and cultivates a deeper appreciation for Japanese cultural nuances within the local community, according to an official media release.

    The ambassador extended profound appreciation to key sponsors—Caribbean Gas Chemical Company (CGCL), Hachidorikai (the Japanese Ladies’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago), and More Vino Restaurant—for their sustained patronage. Their consistent support, particularly in endowing special prizes to laureates, has been instrumental in the event’s continued success over eight consecutive years.

    This year’s competition featured six participants: five competed in Category I, designed for learners at The Japan Foundation’s A1/2 standard with 100-200 study hours, while one contender participated in Category II, targeting A2 standard and above with over 200 study hours.

    An esteemed panel of adjudicators, comprising Ambassador Umezawa, Keio KATO (CEO of Caribbean Gas Chemical Limited), and Asahi Kunito (Japanese Language Education Advisor from The Japan Foundation in Mexico), evaluated the speeches.

    Tershawna Glasgow clinched first place in Category I with her presentation ‘How Curry Shaped My Life,’ while Ambika Ramdass secured second place with ‘How Anime Impacted My Life.’ Ariel Procope received the Recognition Award in Category II for her discourse on ‘Nature: Positive Impact of Mangroves.’

    Preceding the speech contest, the Japan Cultural Association of Trinidad and Tobago orchestrated a ‘Japan Day’ exhibition. The event offered immersive experiences in both traditional and contemporary Japanese culture, including art demonstrations and interactive workshops, providing the public with a holistic cultural encounter.