Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Trinidad and Tobago’s Emma Garcia swings to perfect 10 on uneven bars at Carifta Gymnastics

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Emma Garcia swings to perfect 10 on uneven bars at Carifta Gymnastics

    Trinidad and Tobago delivered an extraordinary performance at the 2025 Carifta Artistic Gymnastics Championships, held December 4-5 at the National Cycling Velodrome in Couva. The host nation’s gymnasts captured an astonishing 168 medals (85 gold, 57 silver, 26 bronze), decisively outperforming competitors from Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, and Jamaica to retain their overall championship title.

    The competition’s most historic moment came when Trinidad and Tobago’s Emma Garcia achieved perfection on the uneven bars, earning the only perfect 10.000 score awarded throughout the entire championships. Her flawless execution generated widespread celebration among athletes, officials, and spectators, creating one of the most memorable highlights of the two-day event.

    Featuring 195 female gymnasts aged 7-19, the championships showcased routines across multiple competitive tiers: USA Gymnastics (USAG) developmental programs levels 1-10, Pan American Gymnastics Union (PAGU) levels 1-3, and FIG junior and senior elite divisions.

    Trinidad and Tobago established immediate dominance by sweeping all-around titles across nearly every level. In early USAG divisions, Reyelle Joseph (level 1, 7-8), Skylar Malchan (level 2, 7-8), and Andaya Singh (level 2, 9-10) claimed victories. The success continued with Ricquel Marcellin (level 3, 7-9) and Larisah Nevins (level 3, 10-12).

    Middle levels saw Coniyah Jones (level 5, 7-11), Isabella Khan (level 5, 12-15), and Kaydence Fortune (level 6, 8-12) continue the gold medal streak. Higher levels featured Gabriella Christopher (level 8, 8-13), Gabrielle Webb (level 8, 14-18), Shanika Joseph (level 9, 8-13), and Sidney Charles (level 10, 14+), who reinforced her status as one of Trinidad and Tobago’s leading senior athletes.

    PAGU levels brought additional success with Zariah Gittens-Dopwell (level 1) and Yandy Stafford (level 2) capturing all-around titles. Jamaica’s Mariah Gordon (PAGU level 2) and Zuri Matandara Clark (FIG junior elite) were among the few non-TT champions, with Sidney Charles adding the FIG senior elite crown to her accomplishments.

    The event, organized by the TT Gymnastics Federation under regional Carifta coordinator Steve Butcher, received significant support from platinum sponsor Capital Markets Elite Group. This backing enabled organizers to secure international FIG and USAG-certified judges from Panama, Colombia, Canada, Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica, ensuring world-class officiating throughout the championships.

  • CoP defends drug bust in swamp: I can’t leave officers to get dengue

    CoP defends drug bust in swamp: I can’t leave officers to get dengue

    Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro has publicly addressed mounting criticism regarding the absence of arrests following two major drug interdictions that netted 2.2 tonnes of marijuana valued at $171 million. The operations, which occurred on December 11, targeted drug trafficking activities in the Caroni Swamp and along South Central Road.

    Commissioner Guevarro justified the operational decisions during the inauguration of a Municipal Police Post in Port of Spain on December 12. He emphasized strategic resource allocation concerns, stating that exposing officers to extended surveillance in hazardous swamp conditions would constitute irresponsible leadership. “I would be very hard pressed to leave my officers in the bush to wait or in the swamp to wait for someone to come back and collect their 1.5 tonnes of marijuana,” Guevarro explained.

    The police chief revealed that advanced surveillance technology played a crucial role in the operations. A recently installed US military-grade radar system in Tobago provided critical intelligence that enabled the successful intercepts. According to Guevarro, the conspicuous police presence during the operations effectively disrupted the criminal network, as traffickers would have detected police movements from considerable distances and abandoned their contraband.

    Despite recovering massive drug quantities within 24 hours, Guevarro acknowledged the perception issues surrounding the lack of arrests. He maintained that the primary objective of removing dangerous drugs from circulation had been achieved, with the seized marijuana slated for destruction. The commissioner’s comments highlight the complex balance between law enforcement objectives and officer safety considerations in anti-narcotics operations.

  • Macoy releases Birds of a Feather

    Macoy releases Birds of a Feather

    Richard ‘Macoy’ Valentine, the celebrated winner of Synergy Soca Star 2009 previously known by his stage name Chynee, has announced the forthcoming release of his inaugural studio album scheduled for next year. This significant career milestone follows his recent launch of the 2026 soca single ‘Birds of a Feather’ on December 1st, a vibrant anthem promoting the celebration of life and unwavering friendship.

    Macoy’s artistic journey demonstrates strategic development through diverse collaborations and commercial adaptations. His soca parang single ‘Lopinot’ gained remarkable traction, ultimately capturing the attention of Bhagwansingh’s Hardware which transformed the composition into a commercial jingle. This corporate partnership significantly expanded his audience reach, motivating the artist to pursue similar brand collaborations for promotional opportunities.

    The Trinidadian performer emphasizes that strategic partnerships have been instrumental throughout his career evolution. He acknowledges substantial support from a local comedian who provided performance platforms within comedy events, enabling Macoy to showcase his talent to audiences across Port of Spain, San Fernando, Chaguanas and Chaguaramas throughout this year.

    His collaborative network extends to seven years of work with Chainlinxx Productions, alongside creative partnerships with graphic artist Timothy Bootan, Unique Productions, and multimedia company Akua Ltd. Macoy has consciously utilized constructive criticism to refine his artistry, focusing particularly on vocal technique enhancement as advised by his professional circle.

    Further expanding his creative scope, the artist has partnered with Black Hat Designs to promote a children’s book centered on ‘paying it forward’ principles. While currently focused on Carnival preparations, Macoy aspires to achieve the versatility of dancehall/reggae icon Busy Signal. His debut album will feature 10-15 tracks spanning soca, afrobeats, reggae and dancehall genres, including several collaborative performances.

  • New Zealand take series lead as WI batsmen crumble in 2nd Test

    New Zealand take series lead as WI batsmen crumble in 2nd Test

    In a stunning display of cricketing dominance, New Zealand secured a resounding nine-wicket victory over the West Indies on the third day of the second Test at Wellington’s Basin Reserve. The match concluded abruptly following a catastrophic batting collapse by the Caribbean side, who set a paltry victory target of just 56 runs after being dismissed for 128 in their second innings.

    The day began with West Indies resuming at 32/2, but their innings quickly unraveled against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack. Pace bowler Jacob Duffy emerged as the definitive hero for the Black Caps, delivering a spectacular man-of-the-match performance with figures of 5/38. His relentless attack dismantled the West Indies’ batting lineup, including the crucial wicket of captain Roston Chase for just two runs.

    The collapse was comprehensive and swift. Brandon King (22) fell to a brilliant run-out by substitute fielder Michael Bracewell, while debutant Michael Rae (3/45) claimed Shai Hope (5) via a caught-and-bowled dismissal. Kavem Hodge, who offered brief resistance with 35 runs, was removed by a spectacular diving catch from another substitute, Will Young, at short mid-wicket.

    First-Test standout Justin Greaves (25) provided fleeting hope, but his dismissal via LBW after a review initiated by Duffy effectively ended any chance of a competitive total. The tailenders offered little resistance, with Duffy efficiently wrapping up the innings.

    Chasing a minimal target, New Zealand’s openers displayed aggressive intent. Devon Conway remained unbeaten on 28 off just 22 balls, while star batsman Kane Williamson finished 16 not out from 12 deliveries. The hosts raced to 57/1 in a mere ten overs, with Anderson Phillip claiming the sole wicket of Tom Latham (9).

    The victory gives New Zealand a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the final Test scheduled to commence at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on December 17.

  • Restore timely negotiations

    Restore timely negotiations

    The Estate Police Association (EPA) has issued a stark warning about the deteriorating credibility of Trinidad and Tobago’s industrial relations system due to persistently delayed wage negotiations. Association President Deryck Richardson revealed that unresolved negotiation cycles spanning from 2014-2016, 2016-2019, and the still-pending 2020-2025/26 period continue to severely compromise the collective bargaining process.

    The systemic delays have created a situation where wage settlements lose their real value due to inflationary erosion, forcing employees to prioritize back pay over meaningful improvements in living standards. Richardson emphasized that expired negotiation cycles fundamentally restrict both parties’ ability to implement substantive changes to collective agreements, as addressing past ‘lived realities’ becomes increasingly impractical once the relevant period has passed.

    A particularly concerning example emerges from the National Maintenance Training and Security Company, where years of delays may result in estate constables receiving no wage increases whatsoever. This stagnation places their basic compensation at par with security officers lacking police commissioner-issued precepts, while supervisors receive only minimal adjustments.

    The association notes that successive minimum wage adjustments have effectively overtaken earlier wage proposals, creating the false impression that workers have received adequate increases. Richardson clarified that the minimum wage represents merely a protective floor rather than a genuine assessment of officers’ skills, responsibilities, and risks.

    Compounding the problem, job evaluations across state companies and statutory bodies remain outdated, failing to reflect modern duties and expectations. The state’s continued reliance on antiquated assessment methods further undermines fair compensation practices.

    These negotiation delays also generate substantial back pay obligations that burden state finances and complicate long-term budgeting. The EPA emphasizes that timely settlements would enable responsible financial planning while ensuring workers receive increases when they actually matter.

    The association confirms it has submitted proposals to resolve all outstanding negotiation periods and now calls on the state to honor the collective bargaining process, return negotiations to proper timeframes, and restore real value to the nation’s estate police officers.

  • Cops seize $56m in ganja in Point Fortin

    Cops seize $56m in ganja in Point Fortin

    In a significant blow to narcotics trafficking networks, Trinidad and Tobago police authorities have intercepted approximately $56 million worth of marijuana in a remote forested area near Cap-De-Ville, Point Fortin. The operation, executed on December 11 between 4:30 PM and 8:30 PM, resulted in the confiscation of 23 substantial bales of the illicit substance.

    Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro personally oversaw the strategic operation alongside Senior Superintendent Thompson, with coordination handled by Assistant Superintendents Forbes, Corrie, and Lewis. The multi-unit effort involved personnel from Special Branch South and the South Western Division, demonstrating coordinated law enforcement capabilities.

    Following the seizure, specialized crime scene investigators PC Telesford and PC Ramdass meticulously processed the remote location before transferring evidence to the Special Investigations Unit for comprehensive analysis and follow-up operations.

    Commissioner Guevarro emphasized the broader implications of such interventions, stating: ‘The value of these major seizures extends beyond monetary calculations to encompass the countless lives protected from narcotics devastation. While criminal networks profit from human suffering, our police service remains dedicated to dismantling their operations and stripping them of illegal revenues.’

    The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-driven anti-crime strategies targeting serious offenses and narcotics activities nationwide, signaling continued aggressive measures against organized crime syndicates.

  • A threat to democratic freedoms

    A threat to democratic freedoms

    A concerning democratic reversal is unfolding in Trinidad and Tobago as the current administration moves to regulate social media commentators, marking a stark departure from its previous stance while in opposition. This policy shift represents both profound hypocrisy and a fundamental threat to constitutional freedoms that form the bedrock of the nation’s democracy.

    During its opposition years, the United National Congress (UNC) actively championed social media as a vital platform for public discourse, even encouraging memes, caricatures, and criticism directed at the then prime minister and cabinet. Their Monday Night Forum served as a celebrated rallying point for dissent. Today, however, the same party condemns similar expressions as “reckless” and seeks to regulate what it once vigorously defended.

    This dramatic reversal reveals a troubling pattern where criticism appears valid only when directed at political opponents rather than being recognized as an essential democratic right. The government’s approach contradicts established democratic principles, particularly regarding free expression. Legal precedents from multiple jurisdictions demonstrate that when public officials create forums for public discourse—including social media pages—they cannot subsequently silence critics without violating fundamental rights.

    International legal perspectives reinforce these concerns. US courts have consistently ruled that when public officials utilize social media for governance purposes, the interactive portions of their accounts transform into “public forums” where censorship constitutes unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination. While these cases originate abroad, they articulate universal democratic values that should concern every Trinidad and Tobago citizen.

    Further alarm arises from the homeland security minister’s openness to collaborating with foreign governments to revoke visas of commentators disseminating “misleading” narratives. This development follows closely after the Prime Minister denied involvement in Gary Aboud’s visa troubles, suggesting either concerning coordination or visible disunity within government ranks.

    Equally troubling were the minister’s comments praising China’s social media control model, which prioritizes strict state censorship to maintain “social stability” and single-party narratives. This approach remains fundamentally incompatible with Trinidad and Tobago’s constitutional democracy, which explicitly guarantees freedom of thought, expression, and press.

    While the government cites legitimate concerns about online extremism, existing legal frameworks already provide sufficient remedies. Trinidad and Tobago law contains various statutes, common law offences, and civil remedies that render totalitarian-style censorship unnecessary. From preventative detention orders to established defamation laws, authorities possess adequate tools to address genuine threats without resorting to broad censorship that inevitably stifles legitimate criticism.

    The solution to challenging speech isn’t enforced silence but more speech. As late US Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis wisely counseled, the remedy for falsehood remains “more speech, not enforced silence.” Similarly, Dr. Eric Williams eloquently stated, “Let the jackass bray,” emphasizing that the most effective response to problematic speech is counterargument rather than government suppression.

    This assault on free expression coincides with troubling signs of press freedom erosion, recalling the 2013 attempt by the previous government to deny media access to crime statistics and criticize negative coverage. The current administration appears to be continuing this dangerous precedent rather than reversing it.

    Ultimately, a government that genuinely champions democracy cannot emulate the censorship practices of authoritarian regimes. However well-intentioned these measures might claim to be, historical precedent demonstrates that powers to silence critics, once established, inevitably expand beyond their original scope. Citizens across political affiliations must collectively defend the foundational principle that in a true democracy, every individual retains the right to criticize their government without fear of reprisal.

  • PBR compliance unit begins operations on December 15

    PBR compliance unit begins operations on December 15

    In a significant move to enhance traffic management and regulatory enforcement, Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has established a specialized Traffic Warden Priority Bus Route Compliance Unit. The official inauguration ceremony took place at the ministry’s headquarters in Port of Spain, presided over by Transport Minister Eli Zakour.

    The newly formed unit, which becomes fully operational on December 15, represents a strategic initiative to address persistent traffic challenges along the critical Priority Bus Route (PBR). Minister Zakour emphasized that the unit will provide dedicated, on-the-ground monitoring and traffic management at key points throughout the route, significantly improving oversight capabilities and facilitating smoother transit operations.

    The launch event witnessed the presence of prominent officials including Permanent Secretary Nicolette Duke and retired Senior Superintendent of Police Neville ‘Toco Burroughs’ Sankar, who serves as chief traffic warden. Duke reaffirmed the indispensable role of traffic wardens in maintaining order on the nation’s roadways and pledged the ministry’s full support for the unit’s operational duties.

    The Compliance Unit will work in coordination with enforcement agencies to conduct daily monitoring operations, ensuring that access to the Priority Bus Route remains restricted to authorized vehicles only. This specialized force is expected to substantially reinforce adherence to traffic regulations and strengthen overall compliance mechanisms along this vital transportation corridor.

  • Pirates of the Caribbean

    Pirates of the Caribbean

    In a significant escalation of hemispheric policy, the Trump administration has executed an unprecedented maritime seizure by capturing a Venezuelan oil tanker in Caribbean waters. This action directly implements the White House’s recently announced security strategy advocating renewed enforcement of the Monroe Doctrine to restore American dominance in the Western Hemisphere.

    The December 10 seizure occurred amid mounting international pressure regarding the administration’s controversial program of lethal strikes against vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking. Administration officials justified the tanker interception by claiming involvement in transporting sanctioned oil to Iran, though President Trump remained ambiguous about the disposition of the confiscated cargo.

    Venezuelan authorities condemned the operation as “an act of international piracy,” characterizing it as both alarming and predictable given recent U.S. posturing. The incident appears strategically timed to redirect attention from potential war crimes allegations toward technical debates regarding maritime law and sanctions enforcement.

    The administration’s narrative has shifted noticeably from initial justifications centered on combating “narco-terrorism” toward emphasizing Iran’s regional influence and sanctions compliance. This rhetorical evolution coincides with longstanding suspicions that the administration ultimately seeks regime change in Caracas or control over Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves.

    Regional implications deepened when Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar attempted to deflect moral questions about possible citizen casualties from U.S. boat strikes by focusing instead on issues of vessel registration and piracy definitions. Her simultaneous acknowledgment that newly installed U.S. radar infrastructure in Tobago assists in detecting Venezuelan sanction-busting activities reveals deeper involvement in U.S. sanctions enforcement than previously acknowledged.

    These developments effectively draw Caribbean nations into the escalating confrontation between the Maduro regime and Republican Party foreign policy objectives. Analysts anticipate further escalation as President Trump faces mounting domestic pressures, including ongoing controversies surrounding his administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

  • Augustine proud of ‘reversal’ of Tobago murder rate

    Augustine proud of ‘reversal’ of Tobago murder rate

    In a recent political address, Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Farley Augustine declared significant progress in combating the island’s crime epidemic under his Tobago People’s Party (TPP) administration. Speaking at a December 11th party gathering in Patience Hill, Augustine acknowledged the troubling legacy of 2023 recording 24 homicides—the highest in Tobago’s modern history—followed by 14 murders the previous year.

    Augustine emphasized that despite constitutional limitations placing national security under central government jurisdiction, the THA implemented independent strategies that have dramatically reduced violent crime. “We have successfully reversed the alarming murder trend through strategic investments in youth development and security infrastructure,” Augustine stated, contrasting Tobago’s improved statistics with other Trinidadian regions.

    The Chief Secretary revealed that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has endorsed his proposal for establishing a localized police force—a radical measure Augustine deems essential for Tobago’s unique security challenges. He criticized current maritime surveillance failures, citing instances where criminals escaped via watercraft without interception by Coast Guard vessels hampered by logistical constraints.

    Augustine’s address simultaneously served as an endorsement rally for Nigel Taitt, the TPP’s prospective candidate for Patience Hill/Signal Hill district. Taitt, who previously unseated former PNM Tobago Council leader Tracy Davidson-Celestine, currently oversees Food Security, Natural Resources, and Sustainable Development portfolios.

    The political leader confidently predicted electoral victory on January 12, 2026, asserting the TPP’s governance outperforms any previous four-year PNM administration. Taitt outlined forthcoming infrastructure projects including connector bridges, road paving initiatives, community center upgrades, and recreational facility construction, positioning himself as a hands-on public servant committed to district development.