Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Junior pannists shine in the Savannah

    Junior pannists shine in the Savannah

    PORT OF SPAIN – The vibrant sounds of steelpan music filled Queen’s Park Savannah on January 18 as Trinidad’s most talented young musicians competed in Pan Trinbago’s Junior Panorama finals. The prestigious under-19 competition showcased exceptional musical artistry from next-generation performers preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.

    East PoS Stars Steel Orchestra captivated audiences with their energetic performance of “Jamtown,” setting the stage for an evening of musical excellence. From Belmont, St Francois Valley Stars delivered a sophisticated interpretation of “Too Own Way,” a composition by Jason Shaft Bishop, Scott Galt, and Michael Hulsmeier, expertly arranged by McKeem Joseph and Nalo Elie.

    Legacy Steel Orchestra moved listeners with their spiritual rendition of “Blessing,” composed by Wrenroy “Blaka Dan” Ogiste and arranged by Daniob Phillip. Meanwhile, El Dorado’s Eldo East Blue Steel Orchestra brought shimmering artistry to their performance of “Gold,” demonstrating technical precision and emotional depth.

    The event transcended mere competition as family and friends packed the stands, creating an atmosphere of communal support and cultural celebration. The enthusiastic audience reflected the deep connection between Trinidad’s steelpan tradition and its community roots, with generations coming together to nurture emerging talent.

    This annual event represents a critical investment in the future of Trinidad’s national instrument, ensuring the continuity of steelpan artistry while fostering musical innovation among youth. The Junior Panorama serves as both training ground and showcase for musicians who may eventually grace the main Panorama stage as professional performers.

  • Regional Carnival $$ distribution begins Jan 21

    Regional Carnival $$ distribution begins Jan 21

    The Trinidad and Tobago government has initiated substantial financial support for regional Carnival celebrations, with Culture and Community Development Minister Michelle Benjamin announcing imminent disbursements totaling $35 million. Pan Trinbago is slated to receive $20 million while the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) will obtain $15 million in structured tranches throughout the Carnival period.

    Minister Benjamin, speaking at a UNC media briefing in Chaguanas on January 18, emphasized the government’s commitment to timely funding distribution and accountability standards. She directly addressed criticisms about insufficient support for cultural organizations, stating: “There are a lot of claims that this government does not like pan, does not fund pan, and I would like that to stop.” She confirmed that prize monies would not see reductions despite economic pressures.

    The ministry has pioneered new cultural initiatives including Flava Village, John Cupid Carnival Village, and the traveling Welcome to the Gayelle program that has visited Moruga, Debe, Tunapuna, and will soon reach Mayaro. These developments respond to public demand for expanded cultural spaces beyond Port of Spain. Benjamin highlighted the remarkable public response, noting that the John Cupid Village nearly reached capacity closures due to overwhelming attendance.

    NCC chairman Peter Kanhai provided infrastructure updates, revealing that the North Stand is 85% complete with handover expected by January 25. Construction efficiency has significantly improved with current pricing for major structures running 40-45% lower than 2025 figures. The Downtown stand and Skinner Park stage for Calypso Fiesta are progressing according to schedule.

    Economic indicators show robust Carnival engagement with hotels at full capacity and incoming flights fully booked. Vendors at Flava Village report exceptional earnings, surpassing their entire 2025 revenue within the first week of operation. The NCC is considering maintaining the village year-round to accommodate tourist demand and cruise ship visitors.

    The cultural calendar remains packed with events including a free Patrice Roberts concert, chutnight night, and rhythm and steel performances, demonstrating the expanded footprint of Carnival celebrations across Trinidad and Tobago.

  • West Indies Under-19s bruised at World Cup

    West Indies Under-19s bruised at World Cup

    In a stunning display of cricketing prowess, Afghanistan’s Under-19 team delivered a comprehensive 138-run victory over the West Indies in their ICC Under-19 World Cup encounter on January 18th in Windhoek, Namibia. The emphatic win secured Afghanistan’s advancement to the Super-Six stage of the tournament while leaving the Caribbean side facing significant challenges.

    Afghanistan’s decision to bat first after winning the toss proved strategically sound as their batting lineup demonstrated remarkable resilience and partnership building. Openers Khalid Ahmadzai and Osman Sadat established a solid foundation with an 86-run stand, effectively neutralizing the early threat posed by West Indian seamers Jakeem Pollard and Shaquan Belle.

    The West Indies briefly found hope through spinner Vitel Lawes, who broke the opening partnership and claimed two quick wickets to reduce Afghanistan to 110-3 in the 26th over. Lawes’ breakthroughs included dismissing Ahmadzai for 34 and clean bowling Faisal Shinodza for 4, followed by removing Uzaiullah Niazai for 12.

    However, Afghanistan’s recovery was orchestrated by captain Mehboob Khan and the composed Sadat, who constructed a decisive 77-run partnership. Both batsmen reached well-deserved half-centuries, with Sadat anchoring the innings with a top score of 88 while Khan contributed a crucial 86 runs. Their partnership propelled Afghanistan to a competitive total of 262-6 from their allotted 50 overs.

    Afghanistan’s bowling response was immediate and devastating. Their combined pace and spin attack dismantled the West Indies top order within the first five overs, reducing them to a precarious position with three quick wickets. Off-spinner Wahidullah Zadran was particularly destructive, claiming the wickets of opener Tanez Francis (9), Zachary Carter (3), and captain Joshua Dorne for a duck.

    West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Jewel Andrew mounted a lone resistance with a classy 57 from 70 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and three sixes. Despite Andrew’s valiant effort, the disciplined Afghan bowling attack maintained constant pressure, with Nooristani Omarzai leading the charge with an impressive four-wicket haul. Supported by Khatir Stanikzai (3-20) and Zadran (3-36), Afghanistan bundled out the West Indies for a meager 124 in the 32nd over.

    The victory marks Afghanistan’s confident progression to the Super Six stage, where they will next face Tanzania on January 21st. The West Indies, meanwhile, must regroup quickly for their crucial encounter against South Africa on January 22nd as they seek to keep their tournament hopes alive.

  • West Indies bowl off T20 series against Afghanistan

    West Indies bowl off T20 series against Afghanistan

    DUBAI – The West Indies cricket team embarks on their final preparatory campaign before the ICC T20 World Cup with a high-stakes three-match series against Afghanistan, commencing January 19 in Dubai. This encounter serves as a critical testing ground for squad combinations and strategic refinements ahead of the global tournament.

    Stand-in captain Brandon King underscored the significance of these fixtures during his pre-match media briefing. “With the World Cup approaching, strong performances and cohesive team play become paramount,” King stated. “Our primary objective is to maintain the standards we’ve established internally and carry that momentum into the World Cup.”

    The Caribbean side welcomes back explosive opener Evin Lewis and pace sensation Shamar Joseph, significantly strengthening their lineup despite several absences due to franchise commitments and scheduled rest periods. King expressed particular enthusiasm about rookie Guyanese batsman Quentin Sampson, noting his “exciting performances in our domestic T20 league this season.”

    The series’ central narrative revolves around the captivating duel between West Indies’ formidable batting power and Afghanistan’s world-class spin attack, spearheaded by Rashid Khan – who needs just nine wickets to reach the historic 700-wicket milestone in T20 cricket – and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

    King acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Afghanistan’s spin arsenal while maintaining a confident stance. “They rank among the world’s elite T20 spinners, presenting a substantial challenge that I personally relish,” he remarked. “While giving due respect to their quality, T20 cricket demands bravery and self-belief to prevail in such confrontations.”

    This Dubai showdown offers both teams invaluable insights into their World Cup readiness, pitting Caribbean flair against Afghan spin mastery in what promises to be a compelling contest of contrasting cricketing philosophies.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Sunday January 18th 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Sunday January 18th 2026

    A groundbreaking scientific investigation has revealed significant health hazards associated with widely consumed dietary supplements, challenging long-held assumptions about their safety and efficacy. The comprehensive study, conducted by an international consortium of researchers, identified potentially dangerous contaminants and inaccurate dosage labeling across numerous products available in the global market.

    The research team employed advanced spectroscopic analysis and biochemical screening methods to examine over 300 popular supplement formulations. Their findings demonstrated that approximately 23% of tested products contained undeclared pharmaceutical compounds, while nearly 35% showed substantial discrepancies between labeled and actual ingredient concentrations. Several products were found to contain heavy metal contaminants exceeding safety thresholds established by regulatory agencies.

    Medical experts have expressed particular concern about supplements marketed for weight loss and athletic performance enhancement, which showed the highest incidence of problematic formulations. The study also identified potential interactions between supplement ingredients and prescription medications that could lead to serious adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular complications and hepatic toxicity.

    Regulatory authorities are reviewing the findings to determine appropriate policy responses, while consumer advocacy groups are calling for stricter manufacturing standards and more transparent labeling requirements. The research team recommends that consumers consult healthcare professionals before incorporating any dietary supplements into their wellness routines and purchase products only from reputable manufacturers that undergo third-party quality verification.

  • UNC PRO: Government policy formed at UNC headquarters

    UNC PRO: Government policy formed at UNC headquarters

    In a politically charged statement during a United National Congress (UNC) media briefing on January 18, party PRO Dr. Kirk Meighoo asserted that the Trinidad and Tobago government’s policy formulation occurs at the opposition party’s headquarters in Chaguanas. The controversial remarks have ignited debate about the separation between party operations and governmental functions in the Caribbean nation.

    Addressing journalists and online viewers at the UNC’s Mulchan Seuchan Road facility, Meighoo declared, “We are here at the UNC headquarters, which is where the policy of the government of TT has been formulated.” He characterized the UNC as “a national party open to all” with members “dedicated to making sure that everybody wins.”

    When questioned about non-governmental UNC members participating in policy development, Meighoo affirmed this practice occurs through party committees and manifesto formation processes. He defended the arrangement as normal democratic practice, stating, “The UNC forms the government, we were voted in by the majority and this is how democracy works.”

    The location and branding of government briefings have drawn public scrutiny, with observers noting the consistent use of UNC facilities and party banners rather than traditional government venues like the Red House or Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s. This departure from previous administrative practices has raised questions about the transparency and separation of party versus state activities in the current political landscape.

    Meighoo further positioned the UNC as “the largest organisation in TT and perhaps the English-speaking Caribbean,” asserting the party’s continued central role in the nation’s democratic processes despite its official opposition status.

  • Four cellphones recovered in raid at Women’s Prison

    Four cellphones recovered in raid at Women’s Prison

    A coordinated overnight operation at Trinidad’s Women’s Prison in Arouca has exposed sophisticated attempts by inmates to direct criminal operations from behind bars. In a meticulously planned raid conducted between 1:15 AM and 3:00 AM on January 17th, authorities recovered four cellphones and additional evidence of illegal coordination.

    The operation, uniquely executed entirely by female officers to maintain security protocols, revealed three mobile devices concealed internally by prisoners—a disturbing demonstration of the lengths taken to maintain external criminal connections. A fourth device was discovered hidden within cell premises during the comprehensive search.

    This high-priority intervention was orchestrated under the joint leadership of Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro, Acting Prisons Commissioner Carlos Corraspe, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin. The operation mobilized specialized units including the DCP Operations Team, Special Intelligence Unit, and the Prison Emergency Response Unit, with additional support from the Guard and Emergency Branch.

    Senior Superintendent of Prisons Lee Davis provided direct supervision alongside Assistant Superintendent Stanley and a team of specialized officers including W/Sgt Hospedales, W/Ag Sgt John, and W/Cpl Caruth.

    Authorities have confirmed that criminal charges are being prepared against the implicated inmates as investigations continue to unravel the full extent of the coordinated criminal activities originating from within the correctional facility.

  • Chief Secretary: THA aims to provide greater transparency

    Chief Secretary: THA aims to provide greater transparency

    In a landmark move toward governmental transparency, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) is poised to implement radical democratic reforms during its inaugural session on January 22. The assembly’s first ordinary meeting will feature comprehensive amendments to parliamentary procedures designed to foster unprecedented public accountability.

    Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, whose Tobago People’s Party achieved a historic electoral sweep by capturing all 15 seats in the January 12 elections, unveiled these transformative measures during his inaugural press briefing at the Hochoy Charles Administrative Complex. The administration’s reform agenda represents a fundamental restructuring of Tobago’s governance model.

    The cornerstone reforms include restructuring the Public Accounts Committee to be chaired by non-executive members or assistant secretaries—a dramatic departure from previous conventions where minority leaders held this responsibility. This structural change ensures continuous oversight despite the absence of opposition members in the assembly.

    Augustine has initiated formal communications requiring all government administrators, department heads, board chairs, and CEOs of THA-state companies to publicly account for their execution of governmental policies before the reconstituted committee. Additionally, the assembly will introduce e-governance platforms enabling citizens to directly submit questions for parliamentary proceedings.

    Most notably, the reformed standing orders will mandate live broadcasting of committee meetings, excluding only security-sensitive matters requiring confidentiality. This media accessibility initiative empowers citizens to monitor governmental operations in real-time and form evidence-based opinions.

    Concurrently, Augustine instituted a rigorous performance evaluation system for all appointed secretaries, establishing a nine-month probationary period to demonstrate competency. Officials failing to meet delivery benchmarks will face immediate replacement, as the Chief Secretary emphasized his ultimate accountability for administrative performance.

  • Chamber urges government to state impact of ‘special zones’

    Chamber urges government to state impact of ‘special zones’

    The Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce has formally requested the government to provide comprehensive details regarding the implementation framework of proposed Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO). This appeal follows Attorney General John Jeremie’s introduction of the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Bill 2026 in the House of Representatives on January 16.

    The groundbreaking legislation, which cleared the Lower House on January 17 and now awaits Senate deliberation, empowers authorities to designate high-crime areas as special zones for combined security operations and community development initiatives. While acknowledging the critical importance of addressing crime for national stability, the business organization expressed particular concern about potential disruptions to commercial activities.

    Corporate leaders emphasized that any extraordinary security measures must be carefully calibrated with clear time limitations and integrated within a broader sustainable strategy. The Chamber’s January 17 statement highlighted specific operational concerns including potential restrictions on movement, modified operating hours, and limited community access that could adversely affect workforce mobility, customer accessibility, supply chain operations, and cash flow management—especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.

    The business advocacy group stressed the necessity for transparent protocols, advance notification systems, and continuous stakeholder engagement to minimize operational disruptions. They maintained that such measures are essential for preserving investor confidence, maintaining business continuity, and ensuring that security objectives don’t inadvertently compromise legitimate economic activities.

    This development represents a crucial intersection of national security policy and economic policy, with the business community seeking to balance public safety requirements with operational practicality in the proposed crime-fighting initiative.

  • O’Neil Odle, stickfighting in my blood

    O’Neil Odle, stickfighting in my blood

    In the traditional arena of Trinidadian stickfighting, known as the gayelle, 35-year-old O’Neil Odle from New Grant has established himself as a living legend. The four-time National Carnival Commission’s King of the Rock champion continues his dominant streak in 2026, securing victories at both the Debe Junction and Moruga competitions in January.

    Odle’s connection to the sport runs deeper than mere competition—it represents a profound family legacy. His late grandfather, Middle ‘Congo Bara’ Odle, and father, Middle Jr Odle, were both revered figures in the stickfighting community. Despite this heritage, Odle initially pursued boxing during his school years, maintaining an undefeated record across regional matches.

    The transition to stickfighting at age 18 came after boxing coaches rejected his aggressive training style. His mother expressed concerns about the violent nature of the sport, but Odle remained determined to follow his destiny. Sixteen years later, he has sustained numerous injuries, including four significant head wounds, yet his passion remains undiminished.

    Beyond the physical aspects, Odle emphasizes the mental discipline required for success. ‘You must control frustration and anger. Complete focus is essential—any distraction or emotional turmoil makes you vulnerable to strikes,’ he explains, noting how top fighters maintain remarkable calmness in the arena.

    Odle’s life outside the gayelle reflects similar resilience. Forced into maturity at 13 when his father passed away, he worked cutting cane to fund his education while supporting his six siblings. Now working in construction and father to two daughters, Odle views stickfighting as cultural preservation. ‘This tradition comes from our Merikin ancestors in the 1800s conflicts. It’s about lineage—it’s in our blood,’ he states, connecting his personal journey to broader historical narratives.

    With the National Stickfighting Finals approaching on February 9, Odle stands as the competitor to beat, embodying both athletic excellence and cultural continuity in Trinidad’s traditional martial art.