Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Former chief justice among 26 honoured by THA

    Former chief justice among 26 honoured by THA

    In a prestigious ceremony at Shaw Park Cultural Complex on December 4th, the Tobago House of Assembly recognized 26 exceptional individuals and organizations with the Tobago Medal of Honour. The awards were presented by THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine during the annual Tobago Day Awards celebration.

    Former Chief Justice Ivor Archie received the highest distinction—the Tobago Medal of Honour Gold—in recognition of his decades of dedicated public service. Archie, who retired on October 22nd after serving 17 years as chief justice, reflected on his extensive career in a pre-recorded interview. “I’ve been in public service for most of my professional life,” he noted, sharing insights from his journey that included eight and a half years in the Cayman Islands where he rose to Solicitor General before being recruited as a high court judge.

    Archie offered poignant advice to aspiring legal professionals: “If you’re thinking of a career in law, it is a brutal discipline. Don’t do it for prestige—you’re not going to be happy. You really have to have a passion for it. If you do have that passion, don’t give up.”

    Chief Secretary Augustine used the occasion to inspire younger Tobagonians, urging them to transcend self-imposed limitations. “Never make the mistake of limiting yourself. You are able to accomplish far more than you can dare to dream,” he declared. Augustine called for a fundamental shift in perception, stating: “We must shift the perception of Tobagonians being indolent to industrious. Diligence must no longer be a trait of a select few; it must be the standard for the majority of us.”

    The awards ceremony honored excellence across multiple domains including public service, culture, sports, education, health, entrepreneurship, community work, and diaspora contributions. Among the gold medal recipients were Sir Edwin Carrington for public service, Lincoln Warner for education and culture, and Bishop’s High School for educational excellence.

    Silver and bronze medals were awarded to numerous distinguished citizens, with special categories including the Rose Gold Medal of Honour for women, presented to Dr. Freddy James for education, and the Tobago Diaspora Award given to Samuel Clarke for public and community service. The Chief Secretary’s Award recognized Kersh Ramsey for culture and Jolé St John for tourism contributions.

    Augustine framed the awards within Tobago’s broader development vision, emphasizing: “Our development mantra—the greatest little island on the planet—is not a catch phrase, it is a call to action. We must invest in the transformation we seek.”

  • Six girls vie for title in biblical-themed pageant

    Six girls vie for title in biblical-themed pageant

    After an eight-year hiatus, the renowned First Impression Brash and Sassy organization is revitalizing its biblical-themed children’s pageant on December 13th at Union Claxton Bay Senior Secondary School. The event marks a significant comeback following economic challenges and pandemic-related disruptions that temporarily suspended the program.

    Six young delegates aged 7-12 will compete for the title while embodying iconic Women of the Bible. This year’s participants include: Zendaya Pierre as Mary of Nazareth, Jerusha Osborne as Martha, Heaven Rouse as Pharaoh’s daughter, Asia-Leigh Allen as Esther, Zaharah Williams as Hannah, and Destiny Joseph as Eve.

    The competition structure incorporates four distinctive segments: a thematic introduction centered on ‘Jesus Is King’, personalized presentations of their biblical characters, talent demonstrations, and an evening gown parade featuring traditional Christmas colors of red, green, and white. Contestants will additionally be tested on their biblical knowledge through memory verse recitations.

    Norma Bramble-Joseph, founder and coordinator of the 30-year-old organization, emphasizes that the pageant serves as an educational platform to instill biblical values in youth. ‘This concert is the way forward to encourage children to understand biblical values and to include Christ in every aspect of life,’ she stated. The organization has historically focused on ‘training princesses to become queens’ through comprehensive instruction in ethics, self-deportment, fundamental self-care, table etiquette, and biblical lessons.

    The event commences at 5:30 PM, representing both a celebration of faith and a testament to community resilience in maintaining cultural and religious traditions for younger generations.

  • Dem Guyanese Boyz surge into soca spotlight

    Dem Guyanese Boyz surge into soca spotlight

    The Caribbean music landscape is witnessing the emergence of a formidable new force as Dem Guyanese Boyz (DGB), the four-member soca ensemble from Guyana, prepares to make waves in Trinidad and Tobago. The group, comprising Adrian Dutchin, Kapa Shanti, Gaddie G, and Gucci Boss, will be performing in the twin-island republic from December 11-14, bringing their distinctive sound to the spiritual home of soca music.

    Adrian Dutchin, a decorated artist with six Soca Monarch and five Road March titles in Guyana, expressed reverence for the Trinidadian audience: “Coming to Trinidad is always special. This is the home of soca. It’s where the music gets pressure-tested. Bringing our sound here and connecting with friends and fans means everything to us.”

    The group’s recent releases, ‘Bend’ and ‘Ride,’ have generated significant buzz across the diaspora circuit. ‘Bend,’ crafted by Canada-based producer Negus Nurse, has become a breakout anthem in Georgetown, Brooklyn, and New Jersey. Meanwhile, ‘Ride,’ produced by Trinidadian hitmaker Mysta Lyon based in New York, has secured consistent rotation on regional playlists, establishing DGB as one of the most discussed new acts on the scene.

    Kapa Shanti emphasized the group’s pan-Caribbean vision: “What we’re building is bigger than one country. Soca has room for new voices, new energy and new stories and we’re ready to bring ours forward.”

    Renowned for their electrifying stage performances, DGB has cultivated a dedicated following through appearances at major diaspora events including DreamWorks Water Park in New Jersey, the Brooklyn Museum, and various venues across Long Island and Queens. Their performance at Guyana’s Cricket Carnival 2022, sharing the stage with soca legend Machel Montano and Jamaican dancehall stars Spice and Skillibeng, solidified their reputation as a major stage attraction.

    Gaddie G highlighted their performance philosophy: “We like pace. We like rhythm. And we like putting on a show. People respond to energy, and that’s something we work hard to deliver every time.”

    The group is currently developing their debut EP scheduled for release in early 2026. Beyond music, DGB has launched a unisex streetwear line under their brand, reflecting their comprehensive approach to building a multifaceted creative movement.

    Gucci Boss teased the upcoming project: “The EP is where people will really hear what we’re about. We’re bringing that Guyanese fire. The music, the branding, the performance, it’s all part of one vision.”

    Both ‘Bend’ and ‘Ride’ are currently available across all digital streaming platforms, with the group maintaining an active presence on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube under the handle @DemGuyaneseBoyz.

  • Gas station owners get $10m for unlawful 2012 shutdown

    Gas station owners get $10m for unlawful 2012 shutdown

    In a landmark judicial decision, Trinidad and Tobago’s High Court has mandated the Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs to pay over $10 million in combined damages to brothers Prakash and Adesh Maharaj. The ruling concludes a twelve-year legal battle that began with the ministry’s unlawful suspension of the brothers’ de facto retail marketing licenses in 2012, which forced the abrupt closure of their service stations and denied them access to their properties.

    Master Wrenerson Lochan presided over the damages assessment, which followed a series of appellate decisions culminating in a 2020 Privy Council ruling that found the ministry had acted beyond its statutory authority. The court determined that the brothers held valid de facto licenses through consistent payment and acceptance of annual fees, establishing that the ministry possessed no lawful power to suspend their operations.

    The judgment detailed how ministry officials executed sudden shutdowns of both the Fyzabad and King’s Wharf stations in late 2012, publicly accusing the brothers of petroleum regulation breaches and impropriety without due process. The closures received significant media attention, severely damaging the Maharajs’ business reputations. The court found that state agents took possession of the premises, posted security guards, and denied the brothers access to their equipment, business records, and inventory without undertaking proper safeguarding measures.

    In his assessment, Master Lochan accepted the comprehensive expert analysis of chartered accountant Larry Ramoutar, who calculated losses spanning fuel and non-fuel profits, fixed assets, inventory, and operational float money. The State notably failed to present countervailing expert evidence or challenge Ramoutar’s methodology through cross-examination.

    The final award includes $9,257,894 in compensatory damages divided between the brothers, $300,000 in vindicatory damages, approximately $1.58 million in accrued interest at 5% annually from 2022-2025, and an additional $250,000 collectively for distress and anguish stemming from reputational harm and financial hardship. The court characterized the ministry’s handling of the properties as “deeply concerning” and emphasized that the substantial awards serve both to compensate the claimants and deter future governmental overreach.

    The ruling establishes significant precedent regarding state accountability, with Master Lochan noting that “citizens reasonably expect that no officer of the state would arbitrarily interfere with their property without embarking upon a process of law, one which is procedurally fair and consistent with natural justice.”

  • Mayaro Football Festival builds skills, community spirit among rising stars

    Mayaro Football Festival builds skills, community spirit among rising stars

    The Mayaro Resource Center in southeastern Trinidad became a hub of youthful athletic energy last weekend as more than 120 aspiring footballers participated in the transformative “Shine On” Youth Football Festival and Camp. This comprehensive development initiative, strategically organized by the All Mayaro Sports Foundation (AMSF) with sponsorship from energy company bpTT, provided specialized training for boys and girls aged 6-17 across a two-day immersive program.

    Expert coaches delivered technical instruction focusing on fundamental skills including ball control, precision dribbling, accurate passing, and tactical awareness. The curriculum extended beyond physical techniques to incorporate essential mental conditioning and focus development. These learned competencies were subsequently applied in competitive age-group matches on the second day, allowing participants to demonstrate their enhanced capabilities in practical game scenarios.

    The event culminated with an awards ceremony recognizing exceptional performers who exemplified the training principles. In a significant nod to local football heritage, the festival honored four distinguished Mayaro-born female athletes—Donna-Mae McIntosh, Shaquilla Hamilton, Linfah Jones, and Chrissy Mitchell—who have represented Trinidad and Tobago at elite international levels. Their recognition served as powerful inspiration for the next generation.

    This developmental program operates within the broader framework of the annual Mayaro Football League, now in its 27th season with eight regional teams competing for the Razack Jan Memorial League and Leston Paul Knockout Cup titles. AMSF Chairman and TT Football Association Vice-President Jameson Rigues revealed ambitious plans to establish a permanent sports development academy that would maintain the impressive participant engagement witnessed during the camp.

    The festival’s thematic direction incorporated input from Miss Mayaro and Miss World TT delegate T’Mia Francis, who utilized the platform to advance her ‘Beauty with a Purpose: Shine On’ initiative. Demonstrating social consciousness, girls’ camp uniforms featured purple and pink colors to raise breast cancer awareness while encouraging female participation in competitive sports.

    Eleven-year-old standout participant Deshawn Charles expressed profound appreciation for the camp’s emphasis on discipline and respect alongside technical training, noting: “This camp inspired me to really put in the work to achieve my dream of making the national team.”

    Mayaro MP Wilfred Nicholas Morris praised bpTT’s decades-long community support, while bpTT Vice-President Karissa Bissoon reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sporting development as a pillar of opportunity and empowerment for Trinidadian youth. The event also attracted officials from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, including former national footballer Ryan Stewart, underscoring its significance within the national sports landscape.

  • Appeal Court dismisses woman’s appeal over former home

    Appeal Court dismisses woman’s appeal over former home

    In a decisive legal ruling, Trinidad and Tobago’s Court of Appeal has reinforced property rights by dismissing a homeowner’s challenge against an investment company’s lawful acquisition of a Champs Fleurs property. The three-judge panel, led by Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh alongside Justices James Aboud and Geoffrey Henderson, delivered their unanimous verdict on December 4, affirming the High Court’s earlier decision favoring Southview Investments Ltd.

    The case centered on Olive Reyes-Clarke’s attempted appeal against the property’s lawful transfer following her mortgage default with Scotiabank. The appellate court determined that Southview Investments legitimately obtained ownership through its 2016 purchase from the financial institution, with Justice Boodoosingh emphasizing that Reyes-Clarke presented no substantive evidence to challenge the company’s legal title.

    Documentation presented to the court revealed a pattern of unauthorized re-entry attempts by Reyes-Clarke beginning in January 2018. Affidavits from Southview director Rambarran Sant, attorney Jean Louis Kelly, and neighbor Prakash Ramadhar detailed multiple incidents where the appellant allegedly forced entry, damaged property locks, and refused to vacate despite police intervention.

    Reyes-Clarke, representing herself procedurally, leveled accusations of mortgage mismanagement, conspiracy, and judicial bias throughout previous proceedings. She maintained that a 2017 stay order preserved her possession rights and questioned the regularity of the sale process. The appellate court systematically rejected these claims, noting the complete absence of supporting evidence for allegations of fraud or misconduct.

    Chief Justice Boodoosingh praised High Court Justice Margaret Mohammed’s “well-reasoned, balanced judgment” and clarified that an unfavorable ruling does not constitute judicial bias. The court ultimately found that Reyes-Clarke failed to demonstrate any legal authorization for re-entering the property years after its lawful sale, confirming that Southview Investments’ possession rights remain fully enforceable.

  • National Trust hosts Ponche de Crème, Parang and Pan at Mille Fleurs

    National Trust hosts Ponche de Crème, Parang and Pan at Mille Fleurs

    The National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago successfully orchestrated an authentic cultural extravaganza at the historic Mille Fleurs Heritage House on November 29th. The event, titled “Ponche de Crème, Parang and Pan Celebration,” embodied the quintessential spirit of a traditional Trini Christmas through its harmonious fusion of heritage, music, and community engagement.

    The celebration gained significant diplomatic and cultural prominence with the attendance of distinguished international guests. Geoffrey Ramsey, President of the Barbados National Trust, participated as part of ongoing initiatives to strengthen regional heritage collaborations. The event also welcomed Senator Darrell Allahar, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, alongside members of the diplomatic corps including Álvaro Sánchez Cordero, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

    The Venezuelan Embassy contributed substantially to the cultural tapestry of the evening by operating a dedicated booth where attendees savored authentic Venezuelan ponche de crème and traditional Christmas delicacies. This culinary exchange highlighted the shared cultural heritage between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago.

    Gastronomic offerings extended beyond beverages, with patrons enjoying a curated selection of local cuisine throughout the evening. The Paramin food tent emerged as a particular highlight, featuring wild meat dishes that delivered an unmistakable local flavor to the experience.

    The musical program featured exceptional performances that filled the historic venue with seasonal rhythms. Los Sonidos, Los Parranderos de UWI, Voces Jóvenes, and the renowned Desperadoes Steel Orchestra provided entertainment that captured the essential harmonies and warmth characteristic of Trinidad and Tobago’s Christmas traditions.

    The National Trust acknowledged its partners and sponsors whose support made the event possible, including Massy Foundation, Desperadoes Steel Orchestra, NCC, WACK Radio 90.1 FM, M2 Marketing & Promotions, Venus Ponche de Crème, Hyatt Regency Trinidad, NFM, and the Venezuelan Embassy.

  • Prison Service hosts VALIANCE 3×3 basketball tourney

    Prison Service hosts VALIANCE 3×3 basketball tourney

    The Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service is pioneering a groundbreaking sports initiative that merges institutional camaraderie with national athletic ambition. The VALIANCE 3×3 basketball inter-station competition, concluding on December 5 after commencing on December 4, represents more than just an internal tournament—it’s a strategic move to strengthen the country’s basketball infrastructure.

    This innovative program operates under the official FIBA 3×3 framework, meaning every game directly contributes to Trinidad and Tobago’s international ranking within the basketball federation. The timing is particularly significant as the nation sets its sights on qualifying for major global events including the 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Poland and the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

    Assistant Commissioner of Prisons Ricardo Dass emphasized the dual-purpose nature of VALIANCE, noting that while enhancing team spirit among officers, the initiative simultaneously identifies and develops talent for national representation. “Officers who demonstrate exceptional skill can transition into representative squads,” Dass explained, “creating a pool of experienced 3×3 players who may eventually represent Trinidad and Tobago on the international stage.”

    The tournament’s organizational structure ensures all participating officers are registered on the official play.fiba3x3.com platform, guaranteeing that their performances count toward official rankings and national team eligibility criteria. Looking beyond the current competition, organizers have already begun discussions about expanding the event to include other national security agencies, potentially creating a more competitive developmental platform that could further elevate the country’s basketball prospects.

  • Padarath, Browne argue over language

    Padarath, Browne argue over language

    A significant political confrontation has erupted in Trinidad and Tobago regarding diplomatic rhetoric surrounding US-Venezuela tensions. Government Minister Barry Padarath has vehemently rejected opposition senator Dr. Amery Browne’s appeal for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to moderate her language concerning the nation’s position on Caribbean geopolitical affairs.

    Padarath, serving as both Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister and Government Whip, issued a formal statement characterizing Browne’s criticism as “a profound mischaracterization of the Prime Minister’s statements” and “a startling display of selective outrage.” The minister accused the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) of longstanding “political contamination” of national discourse through hostile rhetoric.

    The government’s response highlighted what it described as a pattern of hypocrisy, noting Browne’s silence when former PNM leader Dr. Keith Rowley allegedly used derogatory terms including ‘jamette’ to reference women, made comparisons between golf courses and women, referred to citizens as ‘hyenas,’ and employed racially charged language.

    Padarath established clear conditions for rhetorical moderation, stating the Prime Minister would “cool it” only when specific national security improvements occur: reduction in murders, cessation of illegal firearms flow, dismantling of drug trafficking networks, eradication of human trafficking, and enhanced public safety for all citizens regardless of background.

    In rebuttal, Browne condemned what he characterized as the government’s adoption of “the worst aspects of vicious politics,” citing “gas-lighting, distractions, toxic language, and baseless allegations” as standard practice among governing party officials. The opposition senator expressed concern about governmental indifference to societal polarization exacerbated by discriminatory employment practices and rising food prices, creating palpable tension among the population.

  • &5678 Dance Studio premieres Outta This World

    &5678 Dance Studio premieres Outta This World

    SAN FERNANDO – &5678 Dance Studio is set to transport audiences from terrestrial monotony to celestial wonder with its highly anticipated 2025 production, “Outta This World.” The original dance spectacle will transform Naparima Bowl’s stage into a vibrant cosmic arena from December 12-14, exploring profound themes of human curiosity, spiritual struggle, and inner divinity through innovative choreography.

    The narrative follows a group of explorers disillusioned by everyday routine who embark on an extraordinary voyage guided by a mysterious entity known as The Enigma. Their immersive journey through stunning celestial landscapes—from stellar nurseries to distant planetary realms—serves as a metaphor for confronting inner doubts and discovering cosmic connectivity.

    Artistic Director Charlene Harris describes the production as “more than a dance show; it’s a spiritual and visual experience using movement to articulate universal human yearning.” The performance integrates multiple dance disciplines including ballet, contemporary, modern, Afro-Caribbean, and hip-hop, enhanced by elaborate costumes, innovative lighting, and an original musical score.

    The studio’s previous productions like 2019’s “A Day in the Village”—featuring acclaimed pieces such as Aviance Samuel’s “Fairy Maids” and Afiya Babb’s “Villagers”—established their reputation for visually striking storytelling. “Outta This World” continues this tradition while elevating the conceptual ambition to cosmic proportions.

    Tickets are available at the studio’s Carlton Centre location in San Fernando, with additional information accessible through phone (464-5678), email (5678dancestudiott@gmail.com), official website, or social media channels @5678dancestudiott.