Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • A trifle for Christmas

    A trifle for Christmas

    The humble trifle, a dessert with origins tracing back to 18th century England, has found a vibrant second home in the Caribbean culinary tradition. What began as a simple “Fool”—a pureed fruit and sweetened cream concoction—evolved through centuries into the layered masterpiece we recognize today: wine-soaked biscuits harmoniously stacked with custard and crowned with whipped cream.

    This colonial import arrived on Caribbean shores with British plantation owners during the colonization era, yet its popularity has not merely endured but flourished with distinctive tropical adaptations. Food writer Wendy Rahamut celebrates the trifle as her preferred Christmas dessert, noting its creamy, fruity, and subtly alcoholic characteristics make it an ideal make-ahead celebration dish.

    Rahamut recounts her early trifle-making experiences featuring sponge cake saturated with cherry brandy beneath thick, sliceable custard. Today, she elevates the dessert using store-bought ladyfingers or jam rolls, complemented by quality spirits, fresh fruit, whipped cream, and toasted almonds.

    The article presents three innovative trifle variations that blend traditional techniques with Caribbean influences:

    1. Wendy’s Fabulous Cheesecake Trifle: A rum-infused creation combining cream cheese, peaches, and ladyfingers, garnished with toasted almonds and cherries

    2. Fruited Trifle Roll: A jelly-roll style presentation with brandy-brushed sponge, custard, fruit cocktail, and whipped cream

    3. Christmas Trifle: A classic layered assembly featuring jam roll, dark rum, mixed fruits, and vanilla custard

    Each recipe emphasizes make-ahead convenience and generous servings, perfect for holiday gatherings. The transformations demonstrate how colonial culinary traditions have been creatively adapted and embraced within Caribbean food culture, particularly during Christmas celebrations.

  • Army cut Rangers’ light in La Horquetta to take TTPFL lead

    Army cut Rangers’ light in La Horquetta to take TTPFL lead

    In a dramatic evening of TT Premier Football League action on December 19, reigning champions Defence Force ascended to the league’s summit with a commanding 5-2 victory over Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, overcoming an unexpected 18-minute stadium blackout that threatened to derail their momentum.

    The match at Phase 2 La Horquetta recreation ground witnessed extraordinary drama when illumination towers failed abruptly in the 86th minute with Defence Force leading 4-2. Following an extensive delay, play resumed under restored lighting, allowing substitute Caden Trestrail to seal the victory deep into stoppage time with a deflected strike that ricocheted off defender Isaiah Raymond into the net.

    Defence Force’s offensive dominance was established early through a multifaceted attacking display. Phillip Tinto initiated the scoring in the 14th minute with a precise header from Joshua Araujo-Wilson’s corner. Despite Rangers’ temporary equalizer via Kesean St Rose’s clinical finish in the 33rd minute, the military team responded with relentless pressure. Kathon St Hillaire’s exquisite looping header in the 37th minute and winger Kaihim Thomas’s well-placed finish just before halftime established a commanding 3-1 advantage.

    Though Ricardo Williams reignited Rangers’ hopes with a deflected goal in the 52nd minute, Thomas extinguished the comeback with his second goal—an impressive chest-and-volley combination in the 73rd minute that demonstrated technical excellence.

    The victory propelled Defence Force (20 points) past both Police FC (19 points) and Club Sando (18 points) to claim pole position in the standings.

    In the evening’s preliminary match, San Juan Jabloteh edged MIC Central FC Reboot 4-3 in a breathtaking goal fest. Substitute Dwight Jordan emerged as the hero, converting a clever Jaheim Faustin pass in stoppage time to secure three vital points. The match featured dramatic momentum shifts, including a Jamal Jack own goal, a Daniel David penalty, and a brace from Malachi Webb that kept spectators enthralled until the final whistle.

  • Orange mixed-berry chantilly cake

    Orange mixed-berry chantilly cake

    NAOMI ANDERSON of Unicakery, a renowned Trinidad & Tobago baking studio, has unveiled the artistry behind her celebrated Mixed Berry Chantilly Cake—a dessert masterpiece harmonizing delicate textures and sophisticated flavors. This creation exemplifies how meticulously crafted components can elevate pastry work into an experience of refined indulgence.

    The cake’s architecture begins with an airy Orange Chiffon Sponge, achieving its ethereal texture through precise technical execution. Egg whites are whipped to soft peaks and carefully folded into a citrus-infused batter containing fresh orange juice and zest. Baked in an ungreased pan and cooled inverted, this sponge forms the foundational layer that perfectly absorbs the berry compote’s juices without becoming soggy.

    The Mascarpone Chantilly Cream introduces luxurious richness without heaviness, blending cold heavy cream with mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Anderson emphasizes temperature control throughout the whipping process to maintain the cream’s soft structure, noting that overwhipping would compromise the desired delicate mouthfeel.

    The vibrant Mixed Berry Compote provides the cake’s flavor centerpiece, combining fresh or frozen berries with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and an innovative dash of aromatic bitters. Thickened with a cornstarch slurry, this compote delivers a sophisticated balance of tartness and warmth that cuts through the cream’s richness.

    Assembly involves horizontal layering of the cooled sponge with alternating strata of cream and compote, finished with a simple yet elegant topping of fresh cream and berries. Anderson recommends refrigerating the assembled cake for up to two days, allowing the flavors to meld while maintaining structural integrity.

    With twelve years of professional pastry expertise, Anderson has transformed Unicakery into both a specialty bakery and educational hub, offering workshops that demystify such technically nuanced desserts. Her approach demonstrates how disciplined technique and quality ingredients can create desserts that are visually impressive yet fundamentally comforting—proof that elegance need not equate to complexity.

  • 13 inmates baptised at Port of Spain Prison

    13 inmates baptised at Port of Spain Prison

    In a profound display of spiritual transformation, thirteen incarcerated individuals at Port of Spain Prison underwent baptism during a special Christmas ceremony on December 19. The religious service was conducted by Pastor Wilma Kelly and representatives from The Way of Holiness Ministries, marking a significant milestone in the church’s year-long prison outreach program.

    The emotionally charged ceremony began with inmates leading praise and worship through song, establishing what prison officials described as “a reflective and reverent tone” throughout the facility. Pastor Kelly commenced formal proceedings with an opening prayer before the baptism ritual began.

    Among those baptized were three convicted men and nine individuals on remand, each receiving enthusiastic applause and vocal support from fellow inmates following their spiritual commitment. One newly baptized inmate delivered an impassioned address, encouraging others—particularly those previously baptized—to embody positive examples within the prison community and to “love one another for the sake of Jesus Christ.”

    The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service acknowledged the event as evidence of faith-based initiatives’ vital role in providing spiritual support, encouragement, and community for incarcerated individuals. While Pastor Kelly remained unavailable for comment, her Facebook page revealed her ministry had baptized 93 inmates at Maximum Security Prison throughout the year, demonstrating the program’s substantial reach within the correctional system.

  • Tafari Waldron, Alexia John land wins at NAAA Cross-Country Champs

    Tafari Waldron, Alexia John land wins at NAAA Cross-Country Champs

    Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain became the stage for athletic excellence on December 13 as the National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) Cross Country Championships crowned its champions. The open category titles were seized by former Carifta champion Tafari Waldron and the formidable Alexia John, who both delivered masterclasses in endurance and strategy.

    In the men’s fiercely contested 8K race, Waldron of UTT Patriots demonstrated superior stamina to conquer the four-lap challenge in 28 minutes and 18 seconds. The athlete secured a decisive victory over Defence Force’s Christopher Mitchell, who finished 22 seconds behind at 28:40. MAP’s Donnell Francis claimed the third podium position with a time of 31:09, while Ajani Titus-Baynes completed the top four finishers at 32:54.

    The women’s 6K event witnessed a breathtaking performance from 25-year-old Alexia John of Pace and Performance Factory. Establishing an extraordinary four-minute margin over her closest rivals, John dominated the three-lap race with technical precision and powerful running. Experienced campaigner April Francis of Abilene Wildcats secured second place, while Wolf Pack’s Dana Taylor captured third position in the open division.

    Emerging talents made their mark in the junior categories, with national youth athlete Aniqah Bailey showcasing exceptional promise in the Under-20 women’s 6K. The Pace and Performance Factory runner clocked an impressive 16:25, establishing a nearly three-minute advantage over second-place finisher Kiesha Adams of Memphis Pioneers (19:14). Another Pace and Performance athlete, Ayoola Alfred, completed the top three with 19:44.

    Darius Harding continued his winning streak from last month’s Secondary Schools Track and Field National 5K by triumphing in the men’s Under-20 6K event. The Concorde athlete stopped the clock at 13:18, holding off a strong challenge from Pace and Performance’s Omare Thompson (13:44). Cougars’ Isaiah Alder rounded out the podium with a time of 14:18.

    The Under-17 categories produced equally compelling contests, with Pace and Performance’s Shian Lewis leading a club one-two in the girls’ 4K with 17:02. Gianna Pichery secured second (18:54), narrowly edging QRC Athletics’ La Queen Welch (18:57). In the boys’ equivalent, RJRT’s Jeremy Samaroo (14:31) outperformed Carifta Games 800-meter gold medalist Brion Scott, who finished second in 14:48. Jamal Bailey completed the top three with 14:59.

    Additional youth champions included Secmyah Andrews (girls’ Under-11 2K), Myles Edwards (boys’ Under-11 2K), Nyla Kerr (girls’ Under-15 2K), and Ashton Torres who led a Redline International one-two finish in the boys’ Under-15 2K ahead of teammate Raymond Lewis.

    The masters categories celebrated veteran excellence with victories from Anselm LeBourne (men’s 60-plus 6K), Guswil George (men’s 40-plus 6K), and Susannah Joefield (women’s 60-plus 6K).

  • Devin Elcock appointed TTFA’s acting technical director

    Devin Elcock appointed TTFA’s acting technical director

    In a significant administrative shift, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has named Devin Elcock as its acting technical director, filling the vacancy created by Anton Corneal’s departure three months earlier. The appointment was formally announced on December 20, following executive committee approval on December 12.

    Elcock, who previously served as assistant coach at AC Port of Spain, will now oversee the technical direction, coordination, and strategic alignment of TTFA’s football development programs. His responsibilities include collaborating with coaches, technical staff, and stakeholders across all levels of Trinidad and Tobago’s football ecosystem.

    The newly appointed technical director brings substantial experience from various roles within Trinidad and Tobago’s national youth programs over the past decade. His journey includes positions ranging from equipment manager to assistant coach. Most notably, Elcock worked alongside Shawn Cooper as an assistant coach during both the 2023 and 2025 Concacaf Men’s Under-17 qualifying campaigns.

    Domestically, Elcock built his reputation through extensive involvement with Defence Force, where he contributed to the club’s coaching staff during their historic TT Premier Football League title victory in 2023. The team subsequently secured the knockout trophy in the same season. Following his October 2024 departure from Defence Force alongside coaching colleagues Lloyd Andrews and Hutson “Baba” Charles, Elcock joined AC Port of Spain, the 2023/24 TTPFL champions.

    TTFA President Kieron Edwards expressed confidence in the appointment, highlighting Elcock’s “continuity, institutional knowledge and strong understanding of our technical pathway” as valuable assets. Edwards emphasized expectations for “steady leadership during this period” of transition.

    The association’s announcement did not specify the duration of Elcock’s interim appointment or indicate when a permanent technical director might be named. Corneal, who first assumed the technical director role in 2012, had served multiple tenures in the position before his September departure.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Under-20s blank WoLF XI for first ‘Jewels’ win

    Trinidad and Tobago Under-20s blank WoLF XI for first ‘Jewels’ win

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-20 women’s football team claimed their inaugural victory in the DecembHER Football – Jewels of the Caribbean tournament with a decisive 2-0 triumph over TT Women’s League Football (WoLF) United XI on December 18 at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

    The week-long competition showcases both Under-17 and Under-20 divisions, featuring national teams from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and US-based club Indy Premier SC across both age categories. Additional participants include the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Future Stars XI in the Under-17 bracket and the WoLF XI in the Under-20 group.

    Following challenging opening matches that saw TT’s Under-17 squad suffer consecutive defeats against Indy Premier (4-0) and Jamaica (2-1), and the Under-20 team fall 2-0 to Indy Premier on December 16, the national program finally celebrated success two days later.

    Flanking sensation Sonia Lamarre emerged as the match’s definitive hero, netting both goals in a performance that demonstrated exceptional technical quality. The dynamic winger broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion during the 24th minute, cutting inward from the right flank before unleashing a perfectly curved left-footed strike from approximately 25 yards that found the upper corner.

    Despite numerous additional opportunities, including a narrowly missed long-range free kick from Madison Campbell just before halftime, the score remained 1-0 deep into the second half. TT coach Damian Briggs’s strategic substitution of attacking midfielder Orielle Martin nearly produced a second goal in the 76th minute, but WoLF goalkeeper Akilah George made a crucial save.

    The WoLF XI nearly equalized during a frantic goalmouth scramble in the 86th minute that saw the ball strike the crossbar, with attackers J’Eleisha Alexander and Onika Denoon unable to provide the finishing touch. Lamarre ultimately secured the victory in stoppage time, heading home from close range after defender Kaitlyn Darwent delivered an accurate corner from the right side.

    The result positions Trinidad and Tobago (three points) just one point behind group leaders Jamaica and Indy Premier (both four points), who played to a 2-2 draw in the day’s earlier match. The tournament continues with critical matches at Sangre Grande Recreation Ground on December 20, culminating in championship finals at Hasely Crawford Stadium on December 21.

  • NGO challenges EMA over claims of less noise

    NGO challenges EMA over claims of less noise

    A significant discrepancy has emerged between official noise pollution statistics and ground-level realities in Trinidad and Tobago, according to anti-noise advocacy group Citizens Against Noise Pollution in TT (CANPTT). While the Environmental Management Authority’s 2024 report indicated a 2% decrease in noise complaints through its hotline and a 16% reduction in police-reported cases, the NGO contends these figures mask a troubling reality of citizen disillusionment with reporting mechanisms.

    The EMA’s data revealed 464 total noise complaints, with 312 referred to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) as falling outside their jurisdiction. The breakdown showed residential loud music (314 complaints) as the predominant concern, followed by bar music (72) and establishment noise (27). Notably, the EMA’s dedicated hotline received only two complaints about residential music noise, suggesting potential underutilization.

    CANPTT Vice President Lindy-Ann Bachoo challenged the statistical narrative, stating that declining complaint numbers reflect institutional failure rather than improved conditions. “Many citizens have complaint fatigue. When citizens repeatedly report, follow up, and see no meaningful intervention, many eventually stop reporting altogether,” Bachoo explained.

    The advocacy group identified multiple systemic failures: inadequate after-hours reporting options at EMA, limited enforcement personnel (reportedly just eight officers in 2025), and jurisdictional confusion between EMA and police services. Additionally, CANPTT reported that residents face “threats and intimidation” when attempting to report excessive noise, further discouraging formal complaints.

    The 2001 Noise Complaints Pollution Regulations exempt numerous activities including religious events, educational instruction, public gatherings, emergency devices, and construction activities between 7am-7pm. This regulatory framework, combined with perceived institutional inaction, has created what CANPTT describes as a situation where “silence is self-preservation” for affected residents.

    The organization concludes that the apparent reduction in complaints represents a crisis of confidence in protective institutions rather than genuine improvement in noise pollution levels, calling for comprehensive reform of noise management systems and enforcement protocols.

  • ‘A woman is not the property of a man,’ judge says in 2020 Avocat Village killing

    ‘A woman is not the property of a man,’ judge says in 2020 Avocat Village killing

    In a landmark ruling addressing domestic violence, High Court Justice Trevor Jones has issued a powerful judicial condemnation against gender-based violence while sentencing Vishal Birju for the 2020 killing of Gabriella Amanda Dubarry, the mother of his child. The court accepted a plea agreement that reduced the charge from murder to manslaughter by reason of provocation, resulting in a final sentence of 12 years and 23 days after accounting for time served.

    The case stems from the January 9, 2020 incident where Birju, disguised in women’s Islamic clothing, forced entry into Dubarry’s Avocat Village residence. The 28-year-old insurance agent was preparing for work when the masked intruder confronted her. According to evidence presented, Dubarry’s mother recognized Birju’s voice and fled the premises, hearing gunshots moments later. She returned to discover her daughter fatally wounded by gunshots to the head and torso, while Dubarry’s infant child, present during the attack, miraculously remained unharmed.

    Justice Jones delivered a stern message alongside the sentencing, emphasizing that “society must understand that a woman is not the property of a man” and that “the retributive sentence must reflect this.” The judge further recommended that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions reconsider accepting plea agreements in cases involving domestic violence and allegations of infidelity.

    During the proceedings, Birju expressed remorse for his actions, particularly acknowledging the impact on his young son: “I turned my son’s fairytale life into a nightmare when I took his mother from him. The person I’ve caused the most pain to was him.”

    Police investigations revealed that Birju had purchased the .38-caliber firearm weeks earlier and confessed to acting under stress related to custody disputes and ongoing conflicts with Dubarry’s family. He subsequently led officers to where he had discarded the weapon following the shooting.

    Legal representation included Michelle Ali and Shuzvon Ramdass from the Public Defenders’ Department for Birju, while state prosecutors Solange Devenish and Josiah Soo Hon represented the prosecution.

  • Paralympic Committee president Sudhir Ramessar dies

    Paralympic Committee president Sudhir Ramessar dies

    The Trinidad and Tobago sporting community is in mourning following the passing of Sudhir Ramessar, the long-serving president of the TT Paralympic Committee (TTPC), who died on December 19. Ramessar’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from national sporting organizations celebrating his transformative impact on para-sports advocacy.

    Beyond his presidential role with TTPC, Ramessar served as director of the Consortium of Disability Organizations, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to improving conditions for differently-abled individuals both in athletic competition and daily life. His advocacy work created substantial opportunities for para-athletes through persistent lobbying efforts and strategic development initiatives.

    The Trinidad Olympic Committee (TTOC) formally acknowledged Ramessar’s contributions via social media, stating: “We honor his unwavering dedication, leadership and lifelong service to para-sport and athlete advocacy in Trinidad and Tobago. His contribution to sport, inclusion and the Paralympic movement has left an indelible mark that will continue to inspire generations.”

    The Trinidad Rifle Association commemorated Ramessar as “a visionary leader, tireless advocate, and true champion for persons with disabilities in sport” in their Facebook tribute. They emphasized how his leadership “profoundly transformed the sporting landscape, creating opportunities, dignity and hope for countless athletes.”

    Ramessar is remembered not merely as a sports administrator but as a genuine humanitarian whose integrity, passion for service, and commitment to inclusion reshaped Trinidad and Tobago’s approach to Paralympic sports. The national sporting fraternity recognizes his legacy as one that will continue to influence future generations of athletes and advocates alike.