Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Agriculture minister hosts children’s Xmas party

    Agriculture minister hosts children’s Xmas party

    In a heartwarming pre-Christmas celebration, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Ravi Ratiram organized a special children’s party on December 21st at the National Cycling Velodrome in Couva. The event brought together approximately 800 children from ministry staff families for an afternoon filled with festive merriment and joyful activities.

    The gathering served as more than just seasonal entertainment, representing Minister Ratiram’s dedicated approach to staff welfare and family engagement. During his address to attendees, the minister emphasized the fundamental importance of creating meaningful spaces for children and acknowledging the crucial role families play in supporting public servants.

    “The Christmas season reminds us of life’s essential values—family bonds, love, kindness, gratitude, and hope,” Minister Ratiram stated. “By investing in our children and creating environments where they feel genuinely valued and cherished, we are essentially planting seeds for Trinidad and Tobago’s stronger future.”

    The minister also took the opportunity to express his profound appreciation for the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by ministry staff throughout the year. He noted that their critical work supporting national food security, agricultural sustainability, and climate resilience is fundamentally strengthened by the values they exemplify both within professional settings and at home.

    The festive event featured an array of engaging activities including traditional games, lively music, sweet treats, and surprise appearances—with Santa Claus himself making a special visit to spread Christmas cheer. The celebration successfully fostered an atmosphere of joy and togetherness among children and their families, effectively reinforcing the spirit of unity, generosity, and goodwill that characterizes the Christmas season.

    Minister Ratiram concluded the event by extending his heartfelt best wishes to all ministry staff, their children, and families for a safe, joyful, and peaceful Christmas season followed by a prosperous New Year.

  • Jaisarie family continues tradition of giving

    Jaisarie family continues tradition of giving

    The Jaisarie family of Churkoo Village, Princes Town, maintained their cherished annual tradition on December 13 by hosting a Christmas community outreach event at their residential property. The gathering brought together approximately 150 children from diverse backgrounds for an afternoon filled with festive celebrations, nourishment, and gift-giving.

    Attorney Sherlana Jaisarie, the primary organizer of this philanthropic initiative, emphasized her family’s enduring commitment to community service. The event featured meticulously decorated tents in traditional Christmas colors of red and green, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.

    Children received McDonald’s Happy Meals, specially curated treat bags, and an assortment of toys, while parents were served hot doubles—a popular local street food. The occasion attracted support from community leaders including local government representative Shawn Premchand, who participated in the festivities and publicly commended the family’s efforts.

    Premchand described the experience as profoundly heartwarming, noting the visible joy and excitement among children and families. He particularly praised Jaisarie’s dedication to fostering community spirit during the holiday season through this annual tradition.

    The Christmas treat has evolved into an anticipated community event that effectively embodies the seasonal spirit of generosity and goodwill, strengthening community bonds through shared celebration and charitable giving.

  • Trump, the author of confusion

    Trump, the author of confusion

    In a scathing critique of U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration, political commentators have highlighted what appears to be a pattern of bewildering contradictions and strategic inconsistencies. The editorial analysis points to President Trump’s simultaneous declaration of a war on drugs while granting presidential clemency to convicted Honduran drug traffickers as emblematic of this paradoxical approach.

    The policy landscape appears to shift abruptly from focusing on narcotics interdiction to asserting control over foreign oil resources and territorial claims, creating what observers describe as a diplomatic strategy lacking coherent direction. The administration’s ‘America First’ doctrine, according to critics, manifests as a disjointed series of actions that prioritize short-term gains over long-term strategic consistency.

    This approach has drawn significant criticism for what analysts characterize as fundamental hypocrisy: combating cartels while potentially empowering their leadership, addressing resource theft while seizing foreign assets, and pursuing peace through confrontational threats. The resulting international perception, as documented in foreign policy assessments, suggests a departure from traditional diplomatic norms and a embrace of transactional relationships that undermine consistent policy application.

    The editorial commentary concludes that these apparent contradictions have created unprecedented challenges for international relations experts attempting to analyze American foreign policy objectives, with the current administration’s actions frequently contradicting its stated principles on the global stage.

  • Venezuelan ambassador celebrates IVCC students

    Venezuelan ambassador celebrates IVCC students

    The Venezuelan Embassy in Port of Spain hosted a significant cultural and educational event on December 5, celebrating the graduation of Trinidadian students from the Spanish language and Venezuelan culture program. Ambassador Álvaro Sánchez Cordero presided over the ceremony, emphasizing the Spanish language (Castellano) as a vital bridge for mutual understanding between English and Spanish speakers while strengthening bilateral cultural ties.

    During his address, Ambassador Cordero highlighted the six-decade legacy of the Venezuelan Institute of Culture and Co-operation ‘Andres Bello’ (IVCC) as a crucial meeting point for shared knowledge and cultural exchange between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela. The ambassador specifically commended graduates for their dedication, particularly those who pursued studies through remote learning or weekend classes despite scheduling challenges.

    The ceremony featured multiple cultural presentations demonstrating the students’ linguistic and cultural acquisition. Professor Lisbeth Kong’s Saturday Conversation Workshop participants delivered presentations exploring cultural connections between the two nations, while Professor Coromoto Fernández-Sirju’s Advanced Spanish Group demonstrated their linguistic progression through specialized presentations. Students Jeselle Gajadhar and Dianne Persaud delivered particularly notable individual presentations.

    Musical performances formed a centerpiece of the celebration, with the IVCC Rondalla ensemble under Professor Geremías Mai Marcano’s direction performing traditional Venezuelan Christmas compositions including ‘Corre Caballito,’ ‘Niño Criollo,’ ‘Precioso Querube,’ and the patriotic anthem ‘Venezuela.’ The embassy subsequently shared performance videos on its Facebook platform on December 12, describing the event as showcasing ‘the magic of our culture at the IVCC.’

    In a testament to the program’s diplomatic significance, Ambassador Cordero declared graduates as cultural ambassadors who now represent ‘the message of peace and global solidarity’ between the neighboring nations. The embassy’s social media posts on December 9 further documented the certificate distribution ceremony, acknowledging participant dedication and the program’s role in fostering meaningful bilateral exchange.

    While the IVCC previously maintained branches in both Port of Spain and San Fernando, the embassy confirmed in 2015 that the San Fernando operations were temporarily suspended due to organizational restructuring and program updates.

  • Brilliantproposalby Irfaan

    Brilliantproposalby Irfaan

    A compelling endorsement has emerged from New York-based commentator Jay Rakhar, praising Guyanese President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s strategic decision to pursue enhanced cooperation with the United States amid escalating tensions with Venezuela. This development occurs against the backdrop of Venezuela’s renewed claims over the oil-rich Essequibo region, despite the 1899 Paris Arbitral Award that established Guyana’s legitimate sovereignty.

    The correspondence highlights Venezuela’s alleged role as a regional destabilizer, accusing the nation of being a primary exporter of illicit drugs and firearms not only to Trinidad and Tobago but also to the United States and neighboring Suriname. The author characterizes Venezuela under President Nicolás Maduro as ‘the bully of the Caribbean,’ referencing recent assertions that Trinidad and Tobago historically belonged to Venezuela—claims dismissed as baseless.

    A particularly provocative suggestion proposes the establishment of a US military base within the disputed Essequibo territory as a permanent solution to deter Venezuelan expansionism. The author argues that American military presence would serve as a protective frontier, ensuring Guyana’s security while providing psychological comfort to its citizens.

    The analysis further references Trinidad and Tobago’s existing security cooperation with the US, notably the installation of a radar system at Tobago airport that recently contributed to a significant drug bust worth $171 million in the Caroni Swamp. The author condemns any potential objections to such security measures as ‘outrageous and ludicrous,’ emphasizing their demonstrated effectiveness in combating narcotics trafficking.

    The overarching argument posits that strategic alignment with the United States represents a prudent geopolitical choice compared to enduring Venezuelan aggression, framing the proposed partnership as a necessary safeguard for regional stability.

  • Star of Bethlehem shines brightly on St Joseph’s Convent, San Fernando stage

    Star of Bethlehem shines brightly on St Joseph’s Convent, San Fernando stage

    The Dr Sister Phyllis Wharfe Auditorium radiated with festive energy on December 11 as St Joseph’s Convent in San Fernando presented its annual Christmas Song and Dance Interhouse Competition. This year’s theme, ‘The Star of Bethlehem,’ provided the backdrop for an extraordinary display of student talent and creativity that transcended mere competition.

    Five houses—St Joseph, St Xavier, Notre Dame, St Theresa, and Blessed Ann Marie—engaged in a spirited contest spanning three performance categories: choral music, dance, and traditional parang. After an evening of exceptional presentations, Blessed Ann Marie House achieved a remarkable sweep, claiming victory across all categories and securing both the championship trophy and well-earned accolades.

    The event represented far more than artistic rivalry; it demonstrated the profound discipline and dedication cultivated through the school’s performing arts program. Students balanced intensive rehearsals with academic responsibilities during the crucial end-of-term examination period, resulting in performances that showcased both technical proficiency and genuine emotional expression.

    A particularly impressive aspect emerged during the dance segment, where students overcame the absence of formal dance training facilities. Master of ceremonies Michelle Dowrich, a retired teacher from the institution, noted the exceptional quality of choreography and execution despite the lack of specialized flooring or instruction.

    In the classical music category, houses presented carefully curated selections including ‘We Three Kings,’ ‘The First Noel,’ and ‘O Come All Ye Faithful,’ with Faith Phillip of St Xavier House earning recognition as Best Conductress. Judges praised the choirs for their dynamic engagement, articulate delivery, and balanced vocal arrangements.

    The dance performances emphasized storytelling through movement, with adjudicators evaluating clarity of expression, technical execution, and synchronization with musical changes. Each house developed distinctive thematic approaches, blending traditional Christmas melodies with contemporary Caribbean influences including soca, calypso, and musical theater elements.

    The parang category received particularly enthusiastic response from judge Dr. Francesca Allard of Los Dinamicos Parang Group, who declared the tradition ‘in good hands.’ She highlighted significant advancements in vocal quality, lead performances, and overall presentation, while noting the authentic joy visible in every performer’s expression.

    As the final notes faded, the event stood as testament to the institution’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals through artistic expression, community engagement, and cultural preservation—truly making the Star of Bethlehem shine brightly through youthful talent and creative passion.

  • When private sector becomes government client

    When private sector becomes government client

    In a stark assessment of Trinidad and Tobago’s economic landscape, Dr. Fuad Khan delivers a piercing critique of the nation’s private sector, revealing what he describes as a fundamental transformation from development partner to permanent state client.

    The analysis identifies a structural condition where private sector performance has become intrinsically tied to government spending patterns rather than market innovation. When state expenditure contracts, business confidence plummets; when government spending flows, temporary growth emerges. This dependency cycle signals a profound dysfunction within TT’s economic framework.

    A truly independent private sector typically drives progress through anticipating demand, investing ahead of policy developments, and competing internationally. However, Dr. Khan observes that TT’s business community increasingly organizes strategies around public procurement cycles, tax concessions, and regulatory protections. Lobbying has effectively replaced innovation as the primary business strategy, while compliance has superseded creativity.

    This dependency manifests across multiple sectors. Construction and infrastructure activities fluctuate directly with government capital expenditure. Energy services discussion about diversification rarely translates into action without state financing guarantees. Financial sector innovation remains superficial with minimal focus on funding productive enterprises. Retail and distribution sectors prioritize protected domestic markets over regional expansion.

    The consequences are measurable and severe: minimal research and development investment, weak export capacity, stagnant productivity growth, and lagging technology adoption. These indicators reflect a business culture that favors insulation over innovation, ultimately creating a self-reinforcing cycle where navigating institutional weaknesses becomes a competitive advantage.

    Young and innovative enterprises suffer most acutely in this environment, lacking the political access, legacy scale, or financial leverage to compete effectively. Many stagnate, relocate, or never launch, resulting in lost economic dynamism replaced by the illusion of stability.

    While government policy enabled this dependency, Dr. Khan emphasizes that the private sector actively embraced it. The choice to abandon export ambition, underinvest in technology, and accept protection represents a voluntary surrender of competitive spirit.

    True economic transformation requires a fundamental shift toward exports, technology investment, skills development, regional integration, and genuine competition. This transition will inevitably involve failure, consolidation, and discomfort—but remains essential for sustainable growth. Until TT’s private sector chooses independence over access, it will remain a client rather than a leader in national development.

  • The Little Store creates Indian delicacies with Christmas flavours

    The Little Store creates Indian delicacies with Christmas flavours

    A family-owned Trinidadian enterprise has masterfully bridged cultural divides through an innovative culinary initiative. The Little Store in Curepe, maintaining its six-decade legacy, has reimagined traditional Hindu sweets (methai) by infusing them with beloved Christmas flavors, creating a unique gastronomic fusion that honors both traditions.

    The concept emerged during the pandemic’s challenging times when General Manager Vinayak Sankar and his team began experimental kitchen sessions. As an essential business providing groceries and funeral supplies, they sought creative avenues to sustain operations. These experiments evolved into a limited Christmas collection that creatively merges Hindu confectionery traditions with festive seasonal elements.

    Their innovative lineup features butterscotch barfi, spiced gulab jamun balls, sorrel jalebi, and gingerbread-shaped roat—each maintaining traditional preparation methods while incorporating festive flavors. The gingerbread roat has gained particular popularity for its customizable Christmas shapes, becoming a novel addition to Trinidadian holiday dessert selections.

    Sankar emphasizes that the integrity of traditional methai remains uncompromised: all products remain eggless, salt-free, and additive-free, preserving their religious suitability for offerings. The sweets are prepared fresh daily, maintaining quality and authenticity.

    Customer response proved overwhelmingly positive, with immediate interest upon the products’ shelf placement. The innovation has attracted younger demographics and non-Hindu customers, reflecting growing cultural openness. Despite initial skepticism from some traditionalists, the initiative has fostered cross-cultural appreciation and dialogue.

    Now in its third seasonal iteration, the Christmas methai collection has demonstrated commercial success beyond expectations, prompting development of additional fusion concepts. The store’s sister company, Chatak Food Products, has introduced Jazz Mix—a festive variation on traditional chiblo snack—further expanding this cultural culinary exchange.

    Sankar reflects that this initiative represents more than commercial innovation—it embodies Trinidad and Tobago’s multicultural identity, promoting unity and mutual respect across diverse communities during the holiday season.

  • Illegal ganja trade more profitable?

    Illegal ganja trade more profitable?

    The longstanding controversy surrounding cannabis legislation in Trinidad and Tobago has resurfaced with renewed intensity, highlighting decades of regulatory ambiguity and its profound societal consequences. Historical records indicate that marijuana was legally sold throughout the Caribbean nation until the early 1940s, primarily within rural communities, before prohibition measures took effect—a move some analysts attribute to pressure from the rum industry.

    Despite widespread global liberalization trends—including 39 U.S. states legalizing medicinal or recreational cannabis—Trinidad and Tobago maintains strict prohibitions. This sustained illegality has fostered a substantial underground market, with significant quantities smuggled from Venezuela. The persistent black market trade has been linked to escalating violent crimes and substantial capital flight, draining valuable U.S. dollar reserves from the national economy.

    In a partial response to these challenges, the Keith Rowley administration enacted legislation permitting citizens to cultivate up to four cannabis plants. However, the policy lacked critical implementation details regarding sourcing approved seeds or designated cultivation areas, rendering the reform largely ineffective.

    The political landscape further complicated when Prime Minister Rowley transitioned power to Stuart Young, whose subsequent election call resulted in defeat. Opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s United National Congress capitalized on the issue, promising full legalization through prominent newspaper advertisements during their campaign.

    Current discourse centers on whether maintaining prohibition inadvertently benefits criminal enterprises through sustained profitability of illegal trade, while society bears the costs of associated violence and economic damage.

  • Trinidad and Tobago U-17s end Jewels of the Caribbean without a win

    Trinidad and Tobago U-17s end Jewels of the Caribbean without a win

    Trinidad and Tobago’s under-17 women’s football team concluded their DecembHER – Jewels of the Caribbean tournament campaign with a disappointing 1-0 defeat against the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Future Stars XI on December 19 at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva. The loss marked their third consecutive setback in the week-long invitational competition.

    The decisive moment arrived in the 74th minute when Pleasantville Secondary’s Mikaiah Guerero capitalized on a poorly defended set piece, slotting home from close range after Kyra Yee Loy’s dangerous left-side corner delivery. The national squad’s defensive vulnerability proved costly despite several opportunities to equalize.

    Earlier in the tournament, the TT U-17 squad suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat against US-based Indy Premier SC on December 15 at Hasely Crawford Stadium, followed by a narrow 2-1 loss to Jamaica two days later at Sangre Grande Recreation Ground. The team’s performance throughout the competition yielded zero points, placing them at the bottom of their group.

    Meanwhile, Indy Premier SC demonstrated remarkable dominance, concluding the group stage with a spectacular 5-0 victory over Jamaica in the Couva double-header. Five different players—Kori Brown, Olivia Jones, Isabella Moreno, Skylar Mueller, and Karringtyn Wilder—found the net, bringing Indy’s goal tally to 17 without conceding any throughout the tournament. This impressive performance secured their place in the December 21 final against Jamaica.

    The SSFL Future Stars XI, despite previous heavy losses to Jamaica (5-2) and Indy Premier (8-0), managed to finish third in the group with three points. Their victory against the national team provided some consolation after challenging earlier matches.

    Coach Ayana Russell’s squad now faces urgent reassessment as they prepare for the Concacaf qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to begin January 24. Trinidad and Tobago has been drawn in Group F alongside Barbados, Curacao, El Salvador, and Guadeloupe, with the group winner advancing automatically to the final round. The two best second-place teams from the six qualifying groups will also progress to the next stage.