Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Watts meets off-spinner Karishma Ramharack to advance women’s cricket

    Watts meets off-spinner Karishma Ramharack to advance women’s cricket

    In a significant development for Trinidad and Tobago’s sporting landscape, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts convened a strategic meeting with national women’s cricket team captain Karishma Ramharack on December 11. The high-level discussion, attended by the ministry’s permanent secretary Penelope Bradshaw-Niles and Ramharack’s sister Mariah (a prominent broadcaster), focused on comprehensive plans to advance women’s cricket infrastructure and opportunities across the nation.

    The 30-year-old cricket standout, recently honored as TTCB’s Female International Cricketer of the Year in October, brings impressive credentials to the conversation. Ramharack led Trinidad and Tobago’s women’s squad to a silver-medal performance at the recent Bolivarian Games in Peru, where the team dominated the round-robin stage with four consecutive victories before falling to Jamaica in the December 7 championship match.

    According to official communications from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, the dialogue centered on creating sustainable pathways for emerging female athletes, strengthening support systems, and expanding national representation opportunities. The ministry’s social media channels characterized the meeting as part of ongoing efforts to ‘elevate women’s cricket in TT’ through structural enhancements and developmental initiatives.

    Ramharack responded to the ministerial engagement through her social media platform with a succinct yet powerful statement: ‘No words…just actions. Pleasure to meet the Minister of Sports!’ This encounter marks a notable collaboration between athletic leadership and government officials aimed at transforming the future of women’s cricket in the Caribbean nation.

  • NUGFW seeks early meeting with CPO

    NUGFW seeks early meeting with CPO

    The National Union of Government and Federated Workers (NUGFW) has formally initiated steps to secure a substantial wage adjustment for Trinidad and Tobago’s daily-paid public sector employees. Union leadership is pushing for immediate negotiations with government officials to achieve a ten per cent salary increase for this vulnerable workforce segment.

    NUGFW President-General Christopher Streete announced the union’s strategy through a social media address on December 13, revealing that formal correspondence had been dispatched to Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo. The communication specifically requests an early January meeting with Chief Personnel Officer Lt Cmdr Dr Daryl Dindial, who operates under the Finance Minister’s directives.

    Mr. Streete expressed measured optimism regarding the proposed dialogue, emphasizing the union’s commitment to rapid resolution. “We are pursuing an early settlement,” he stated, “and upon successful negotiation, our members will become entitled to retroactive compensation.”

    The NUGFW represents daily-wage employees across multiple critical public institutions, including the Tobago House of Assembly, regional health authorities, and twelve of fourteen municipal corporations throughout Trinidad (excluding only San Fernando and Port of Spain city corporations). Streete highlighted that these workers rank among the nation’s lowest-paid laborers and have compelling economic justification for enhanced compensation.

    The union leader simultaneously issued a caution against misinformation circulating among workers, noting, “Certain disruptive elements are attempting to mislead membership regarding negotiation proceedings. Our exclusive focus remains on delivering concrete results.”

    Streete offered pragmatic financial advice to members, reminding them that “monetary compensation carries no expiration date” and urging prudent management of anticipated back payments. The union’s current position follows their previous rejection of a four per cent increase proposed under the former administration, a decision Streete believes will yield superior outcomes for workers.

    This development occurs against the backdrop of recent successful negotiations between the Public Services Association and government representatives, which resulted in a ten per cent wage increase covering 2014-2019 with implementation beginning January 2026 and partial retroactive payments expected before Christmas.

  • Local golf pro Peter “Scorpion” Lutchmansingh dies

    Local golf pro Peter “Scorpion” Lutchmansingh dies

    The Caribbean sports world is grieving the passing of golf icon Peter “Scorpion” Lutchmansingh, whose remarkable six-decade career profoundly shaped Trinidad and Tobago’s golf landscape. The legendary professional, celebrated for his extraordinary talent and mentorship, passed away on December 12 after an extended period of illness.

    Lutchmansingh’s incredible journey began in 1955 as a young caddy, eventually propelling him to become one of the Caribbean’s top three golfers during his competitive prime. His career reached international prominence when he competed alongside golfing royalty Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, cementing his status as a regional sporting great.

    The St Andrew’s Golf Club, where Lutchmansingh nurtured generations of golfers, commemorated his extraordinary contributions. His legendary status was built not only on tournament successes but on breathtaking creativity that became his trademark. The iconic moment that earned him the “Scorpion” nickname occurred during the 1960s Jamaica Open, where he executed an impossible chip shot by strategically banking the ball off a wall directly into the hole from an severely constrained position.

    Beyond his competitive brilliance, Lutchmansingh was recognized for his highly unorthodox yet devastatingly effective putting technique—consistently striking with the putter’s heel while elevating the toe. This unconventional method, combined with his precision and composure under pressure, made him a formidable opponent on any green.

    In his later years, Lutchmansingh extended his influence to Tobago, dedicating himself to “Let’s Learn to Golf Tobago,” a nonprofit organization established in 2021. Founder Arifa Bansal remembered him as “more than a coach—he was a mentor, friend, and guiding light whose kindness, patience, and dedication touched every life he encountered.”

    Lutchmansingh’s legacy encompasses extraordinary talent, profound humility, and lifelong dedication to nurturing future generations of golfers, leaving an indelible mark on Caribbean sports history.

  • RABZ 9 goes down at Sound Forge

    RABZ 9 goes down at Sound Forge

    The vibrant combat sports scene in Trinidad and Tobago is set to ignite as RABZ Fight Promotions presents its annual Christmas Fight Night on December 13th. The Sound Forge venue in Mucurapo will transform into an arena of athletic excellence from 7 PM to 1 AM, featuring an electrifying combination of kickboxing and mixed martial arts competitions.

    This year’s event showcases three championship-caliber bouts following six preliminary matches that will set the stage for the evening’s main attractions. The fight card promises to deliver both technical mastery and raw power, highlighted by a historic trilogy fight that has captured local martial arts enthusiasts’ attention.

    The heavyweight division will witness a compelling international clash as Trinidad and Tobago’s own Liam Chin Choy prepares to face Cuba’s formidable Yuray Preval in the 200+ weight class championship. Meanwhile, newly-crowned featherweight champion Zachary Gonsalves returns to defend his title against determined local challenger Damani Adams in the 145-pound division.

    The most anticipated matchup of the evening features Le Shaun Moreno and Joshua James settling their rivalry in a decisive MMA welterweight trilogy bout. After splitting victories in their previous encounters, this final meeting at 170 pounds promises to deliver a conclusive chapter to their competitive saga.

    The preliminary card features six exciting matchups: Varenyam Maharaj vs Levi Salloum (165lbs), Samuel Negrin vs Emmanuel Jugmohan (190lbs), Alexi Mc Deigan vs Aaimar John (145lbs), Micah Espinet vs Tyle Neptune (130lbs), Olujimi Bradshaw vs Joshua Besson (130lbs), and Nevin Byer vs Aiden Rampaul (145lbs).

    RABZ Fight Promotions emphasizes that this event represents the pinnacle of Caribbean combat sports, bringing together elite athletes from multiple disciplines for a night of championship-level competition during the holiday season.

  • Prime Minister gives police 12 more refurbished vehicles

    Prime Minister gives police 12 more refurbished vehicles

    The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has significantly enhanced the operational capabilities of its national police force through the official handover of 12 refurbished vehicles. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, alongside Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, presented the vehicles during a ceremony held at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s, Port of Spain on December 12.

    This strategic investment forms part of a broader governmental commitment to deliver 50 refurbished vehicles to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) by year’s end, with 14 vehicles having been transferred just last week. The initiative aims to substantially strengthen law enforcement effectiveness across the nation.

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar emphasized that these additional resources will dramatically improve police responsiveness to emergencies while expanding geographical coverage capabilities. The enhanced mobility will directly support frontline officers in crime prevention and public protection duties, representing a tangible implementation of the government’s resource allocation strategy.

    The vehicle refurbishment program underscores the administration’s dedication to providing practical, impactful tools that yield lasting results in national security efforts. The Prime Minister characterized this delivery as another fulfilled promise to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, demonstrating the government’s ongoing commitment to actionable solutions rather than mere rhetoric in addressing public safety concerns.

  • Fireworkslaw willnot stopmayhem

    Fireworkslaw willnot stopmayhem

    In a scathing editorial letter to the editor, citizen Michael Jattan of Diego Martin has launched a vehement critique against Trinidad and Tobago’s recently enacted fireworks legislation, characterizing it as profoundly flawed and dangerously misguided.\n\nThe correspondence, published just 18 minutes prior to analysis, argues the new statute represents a catastrophic failure of governance that prioritizes commercial interests over public welfare. Jattan specifically highlights the legislation’s inadequate protections during Old Year’s Night celebrations, which historically produce widespread distress and physical harm.\n\nAccording to the author, both major political parties—the ruling administration and opposition PNM—have demonstrated moral cowardice by endorsing legislation that effectively serves fireworks importers’ financial interests. The letter references tragic consequences of unregulated fireworks usage, including the death of an infant during Divali celebrations and thousands of canine fatalities over the past two decades.\n\nJattan condemns the bipartisan support for what he terms an ‘insult-to-common-sense bill,’ arguing it provides legal sanction for anticipated chaos while showing blatant disregard for the deleterious effects on human and animal welfare. The author concludes with a stark warning about divine jurisprudence ultimately intervening where responsible governance has failed, suggesting the current political leadership will face accountability for prioritizing commercial interests over public safety.\n\nThe emotionally charged critique presents a damning assessment of legislative processes, accusing lawmakers of effectively permitting fireworks importers to draft self-serving legislation that lacks any meaningful balance between commercial activity and community protection.

  • Alexander, Griffith in war of words over radar comments

    Alexander, Griffith in war of words over radar comments

    A significant diplomatic development has triggered an unexpected confrontation between current and former national security officials in Trinidad and Tobago. The installation of a controversial US military radar system in Tobago has ignited a fierce public dispute between Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander and former Police Commissioner Gary Griffith.

    The conflict emerged following Minister Alexander’s remarks regarding the radar’s purported role in resolving the kidnapping case involving Derek Tardieu and his wife Clarabelle. Griffith, who served as both police commissioner and national security minister, condemned these statements as “irresponsible” in a December 11 Facebook post, expressing concern that such disclosures could alert criminal elements to state surveillance capabilities.

    Minister Alexander mounted a vigorous defense through a December 12 interview with the Guardian newspaper, asserting his comments were taken out of context. He questioned the expertise of critics who “never was in a war” but positioned themselves as security authorities through academic knowledge alone.

    The exchange escalated dramatically when Griffith, highlighting his military background spanning from 1988 to 1999, released a nine-minute video recounting his operational experience in conflict zones including the UK, Haiti, and during Trinidad and Tobago’s 1990 attempted coup. He delivered a particularly cutting remark suggesting Minister Alexander’s only known conflict was “against a dictionary.”

    In an unconventional response, Minister Alexander produced an ankle monitor during an office video recording, claiming he purchased it specifically for Griffith. “It’s really an ankle bracelet for your mouth,” Alexander stated while brandishing the device. “Cause that’s all you does do – talk, talk, talk, talk, talk. Your name should be Gary the parrot.”

    The extraordinary public feud between these security officials has drawn attention to the increasingly contentious debate surrounding the US military presence in Tobago, raising questions about professional conduct within the highest levels of national security leadership.

  • Kaitlyn Darwent, Orielle Martin make bright start to SSFL combine

    Kaitlyn Darwent, Orielle Martin make bright start to SSFL combine

    MACQUERIPE, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – American collegiate scouts from Butler Community College and Murray State College have commenced a rigorous talent evaluation process at the TTDF Reserve Grounds, where numerous secondary school football prospects demonstrated their capabilities during the inaugural day of the Football Combine and Showcase on December 12.

    The event, a strategic collaboration between the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) and Next Level Performance TT (NLP), featured approximately 30 female athletes in morning sessions followed by intense male competitions in the afternoon. Notable attendees included SSFL president Merere Gonzales and Trinidad and Tobago women’s national team coach Damian Briggs.

    Junior Galvan, assistant coach of Butler Community College’s women’s football program, emphasized seeking “difference-makers” who demonstrate tactical intelligence and aggressive play. “I’ve seen aggressiveness, which is something that you always want to find,” Galvan told Newsday. “There’s been some really, really good ideas on and off the ball.”

    Standout performers included versatile defender Kaitlyn Darwent and technical midfielder Orielle Martin, both recently featured in Trinidad and Tobago’s 5-0 Concacaf W Qualifiers victory against Barbados. Galvan specifically noted Martin’s technical excellence and Darwent’s defensive patience and reading of the game.

    Murray State College’s assistant coach Grace Houchin, who oversees both men’s and women’s programs, emphasized evaluating intangible qualities beyond physical skills. “I want to see how they act when they lose the ball,” Houchin explained. “How do they talk to their teammates? I more look for things that we shouldn’t have to coach at college level.”

    Houchin, who previously recruited Fatima College’s Elijah Camacho, expressed particular interest in Darwent and additionally identified promising talents including Scarlett Cole, Kimora Mitchell, and Daneelyah Salandy. The combine continues through December 14, with scouts anticipating potential recruitment agreements as early as next year.

  • Lemon loaf with glaze for home bakers (with orange variation)

    Lemon loaf with glaze for home bakers (with orange variation)

    Renowned pastry chef Naomi Anderson of Trinidad and Tobago’s Unicakery has unveiled a remarkably adaptable citrus loaf formula that empowers home bakers to create professional-quality results with pantry-staple ingredients. This meticulously crafted recipe serves as a dual-purpose blueprint, effortlessly transforming between vibrant lemon and sweet orange variations through simple ingredient substitutions.

    The foundation combines standard all-purpose flour (2 cups) with leavening agents (2 tsp baking powder) and a pinch of salt, creating a structurally sound yet tender crumb. The moisture-rich batter incorporates plain yogurt (1 cup) for tanginess and tenderness, while melted unsalted butter (5 tbsp) and neutral oil (¼ cup) ensure a luxuriously moist texture. Fresh citrus zest (2 tbsp) provides the dominant flavor profile, complemented by freshly squeezed juice (¼ cup) and enhanced with vanilla and citrus extracts.

    Anderson emphasizes technical precision: proper oven preheating to 350°F (180°C), careful batter mixing to prevent overworking, and strategic foil covering during baking to prevent excessive browning. The optional glaze—a simple combination of icing sugar (1 cup) and citrus juice (2-3 tbsp)—adds professional finishing when applied after complete cooling.

    The Port of Spain-based pastry expert, drawing from twelve years of professional experience, designed this formula specifically for home kitchen execution. Her baking studio has become an educational hub where such recipes demonstrate how scientific precision and creative flexibility can coexist in pastry arts. Anderson encourages variations including poppy seeds, blueberries, or shredded coconut for personalized adaptations.

    This citrus loaf represents more than mere recipe sharing—it embodies Unicakery’s philosophy of making sophisticated baking techniques accessible to community enthusiasts while maintaining professional standards of flavor and texture.

  • Wendy Rahamut’s black cake

    Wendy Rahamut’s black cake

    For decades, culinary expert Wendy Rahamut has perfected the art of crafting authentic Trinidadian black cake, a cherished Caribbean Christmas tradition. Through years of meticulous recipe refinement, she has developed techniques that distinguish premium black cake from inferior versions.

    True artisanal black cake embodies specific characteristics: an intensely dark hue derived from abundant fruits rather than artificial browning agents, a dense and moist texture contrasting with sponge-like consistency, and a fruit-to-flour ratio heavily favoring preserved fruits. Rahamut emphasizes the importance of separately chopping and adding cherries and citron peel at the final preparation stage for optimal texture and flavor distribution.

    The signature soaking process involves a precise blend of golden rum and Fernandes Cherry brandy in equal measures—a combination the expert insists cannot be substituted. After initial soaking, fruits are drained, finely chopped using a food processor, then partially rehydrated with reserved liquid to achieve ideal moisture levels without creating excessively wet batter.

    Premium ingredients form the foundation of exceptional black cake: 100% real butter, high-quality all-purpose flour (Gold Seal Flour being Rahamut’s current preference), authentic mixed essence, and a well-balanced spice blend.

    The sensory experience of baking black cake constitutes one of its greatest rewards—the captivating aroma of caramelized fruits intermingling with rich rum vapors creates an olfactory celebration unavailable to those who purchase commercial versions.

    Accompanying the detailed black cake methodology, Rahamut provides a lighter fruit cake alternative requiring simpler ingredients and techniques, plus comprehensive instructions for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic variations. The traditional black cake involves an extensive ingredient list including raisins, currants, sultanas, prunes, walnuts, and mixed peel, soaked in rum and brandy for up to one week before baking at 300°F for 2-2.5 hours.

    The post-baking ‘nursing’ process involves regularly adding tablespoons of brandy or rum over several days, creating cakes that can be preserved for approximately one year when properly wrapped and stored. For non-alcoholic versions, Rahamut recommends grape juice soaking with refrigeration requirements.

    This comprehensive guide represents both cultural preservation and culinary excellence, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to master a time-honored Caribbean tradition.