Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Protesters condemn US ‘imperial arrogance’ in Caribbean

    Protesters condemn US ‘imperial arrogance’ in Caribbean

    On October 24, approximately 20 demonstrators gathered peacefully outside the US Embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to protest what they termed as US aggression in the Caribbean. The protest, held at Queen’s Park Savannah, was organized by activists and representatives from various civil society organizations, who called for the protection of regional sovereignty and the preservation of the Caribbean as a “zone of peace.”

    Among the participants was Abeo Jackson, a radio/television host and new mother, who expressed deep concern over the future of her child in a region she believes is under threat. Jackson condemned the extrajudicial killing of 43 men by US forces in the Caribbean, which the US justified as an attack on narco-trafficking. She described the incident as a violent desecration of regional sovereignty and criticized the Trinidad and Tobago government for its silence on the matter.

    “This is not about drugs. It is about natural resources, oil, and power,” Jackson asserted. She accused the government of aligning with US military objectives, calling it a betrayal of the Caribbean consensus that the region must remain a zone of peace. Jackson emphasized that Caribbean sovereignty is not for sale and that Caribbean lives should not be treated as collateral damage.

    Shan-Nia Lewis, a young protester, delivered an impassioned speech linking global conflicts to regional vulnerability. She expressed frustration over the government’s silence following the deaths of two Trinidad and Tobago nationals allegedly killed in recent US airstrikes. Lewis warned that young people would bear the brunt of any escalation in regional tensions.

    Zakiya Uzoma-Wadada, Chairman of the Emancipation Support Committee (ESC), also condemned US military operations in regional waters, describing them as a threat to peace and sovereignty. Wadada criticized the US’s intensified military buildup off Venezuela’s coast, calling it a reassertion of the Monroe Doctrine and a smokescreen for broader geopolitical objectives, including possible regime change in Venezuela.

    David Abdulah, political leader of the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ), commended former Caricom heads of government for issuing a joint statement rejecting military intervention and reaffirming the region as a “zone of peace.” He condemned the recent docking of a US destroyer off Trinidad’s coast, calling it an “abomination” and warning that any attempt at regime change in Venezuela would destabilize the entire region.

    The protesters collectively demanded an end to US military intervention in the Caribbean, urging regional unity and the protection of sovereignty and peace.

  • Woodland farmer robbed after fake Facebook cattle sale

    Woodland farmer robbed after fake Facebook cattle sale

    A Woodland farmer fell victim to a brazen armed robbery after responding to a social media advertisement to purchase cattle. The incident occurred on October 24, when the farmer traveled to Pangola Road, Point Fortin, in his pickup truck at approximately 9:30 a.m. to meet a seller he had contacted through a Facebook group. Upon arrival, the farmer engaged in a conversation with two men. Suddenly, one of the individuals brandished a firearm and declared a robbery. The second suspect swiftly seized the farmer’s phone and wallet containing $2,400, which had been concealed under the passenger seat of the pickup. The assailants then fled into nearby bushes. Authorities from the Point Fortin Police Station have launched an investigation into the incident, though no arrests have been made yet. This case highlights the risks associated with online transactions and the importance of exercising caution when meeting strangers for business purposes.

  • SSFL title race heats up with pair of top-five showdowns

    SSFL title race heats up with pair of top-five showdowns

    The 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division season is heating up as four pivotal matches are set to unfold on October 25, starting at 3:30 pm. These games could significantly influence the title race, with the top five teams all in action.

  • Tropical Storm forces postponement of Army’s return leg with Mt Pleasant

    Tropical Storm forces postponement of Army’s return leg with Mt Pleasant

    The semifinal matches of the 2025 Concacaf Caribbean Cup have been rescheduled due to the anticipated impact of Tropical Storm Melissa in Jamaica. The second leg between Defence Force and Mount Pleasant Football Academy, originally set for October 29, has been moved to November 5. This decision was announced by Concacaf’s chief football competitions officer, Carlos Fernandez, who emphasized the need to prioritize the safety of players, officials, and fans. Jamaica’s Meteorological Office had earlier upgraded the country’s alert level from a hurricane watch to a hurricane warning on October 24. The first leg of the match, held on October 22 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, saw Mount Pleasant dominate with a 5-1 victory over Defence Force. Raheem Edwards scored twice, while Kimoni Bailey, Shaqueil Bradford, and Warner Brown added to the tally. Kaihim Thomas managed a late consolation goal for Defence Force. The other semifinal, an all-Dominican Republic clash between O&M FC and Cibao FC, has also been rescheduled. The first leg will now take place on October 30, with the second leg on November 6. The Caribbean Cup champion will secure a direct spot in the round of 16 of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, while the second- and third-placed teams will enter the first round.

  • Tancoo: Build wealth, don’t depend on NIS

    Tancoo: Build wealth, don’t depend on NIS

    Finance Minister Dave Tancoo has issued a stark warning about Trinidad and Tobago’s rapidly aging population, emphasizing its profound implications for the country’s economic stability. Speaking at the TT Stock Exchange’s Capital Markets and Investor Conference in Port of Spain on October 24, Tancoo highlighted the urgent need for reforms to the National Insurance System (NIS) and initiatives to mobilize domestic capital. He revealed that the proportion of citizens aged 65 and older has surged from 5% in 1980 to over 11% today, with projections indicating it will exceed 26% by 2060. This demographic shift, he cautioned, threatens the sustainability of the NIS, which is already paying out more in benefits than it collects in contributions. Tancoo warned that without immediate action, the National Insurance Fund could be depleted by 2032, leaving thousands of retirees without support. To address this, the government plans to increase NIS contribution rates by 3% in 2026 and 2027, gradually raise the retirement age starting in 2028, and deepen the country’s capital markets. Tancoo also announced the launch of a $1 billion National Investment Fund bond and a state-sponsored Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) to encourage domestic investment and unlock value in public assets. These measures, he stressed, are essential to ensuring financial security for retirees and fostering long-term economic growth.

  • Carter into 50m butterfly final in final leg of Swimming World Cup

    Carter into 50m butterfly final in final leg of Swimming World Cup

    Trinidad and Tobago’s elite swimmer, Dylan Carter, is set to conclude his 2025 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup journey with a determined push for a podium finish in Toronto, Canada. On October 25, Carter will compete in the men’s 50-meter butterfly final at 6:32 PM (TT time), aiming to cap off his campaign with a medal. Earlier in the day, during the preliminary rounds, the 29-year-old secured second place in heat four with a time of 22.49 seconds, trailing behind Canada’s Ilya Kharun, who dominated with a blistering 21.85 seconds—the fastest time across all heats. Carter’s performance ranked seventh overall in the prelims, signaling the need for a stellar effort in the final to add to his two bronze medals earned earlier in the competition. In the first leg of the Swimming World Cup in Indiana, Kharun claimed gold in the 50m butterfly with a time of 21.86 seconds, while Carter finished fifth in 22.57 seconds. The second leg in Illinois saw Kharun repeat his golden feat in 21.69 seconds, with Carter placing seventh at 22.48 seconds. Carter’s previous successes include bronze medals in the 50m backstroke (first leg) and 50m freestyle (second leg), showcasing his versatility and determination throughout the tournament.

  • British High Commissioner Dean distributes rugby kits

    British High Commissioner Dean distributes rugby kits

    On October 17, British High Commissioner Jon Dean hosted a significant reception at his official residence in Maraval, Trinidad and Tobago, to commemorate the handover of rugby equipment to the TT Schools’ Rugby Union. This event highlighted the British High Commission’s dedication to fostering youth development through sports in the region. The donation, facilitated by the UK-based charity SOS Kit Aid, included essential gear such as hoodies, polos, shorts, socks, tops, tracksuits, tackle shields, and kit bags. These items will be distributed to schools across Trinidad and Tobago, with particular emphasis on rural communities and Tobago, where rugby teams are emerging. During the event, Dean emphasized the unifying power of sports, stating, ‘Rugby has a rich tradition in the United Kingdom, and we are thrilled to see it growing here in TT. This donation will ensure the kit reaches the schools and students who need it most.’ Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, David Nakhid, also attended, delivering remarks on behalf of Minister Phillip Watts, who was absent due to parliamentary duties. Watts praised the initiative, noting, ‘Through sport, we are shaping character, building discipline, and creating new opportunities for young people across TT, especially in areas where access and resources are often limited.’ The event brought together local professional rugby players and aspiring young athletes from various schools, showcasing a collaborative effort between the British High Commission and local partners to enhance youth engagement through sports.

  • Sewa TT hosts 6th annual clothing drive

    Sewa TT hosts 6th annual clothing drive

    Sewa International Trinidad and Tobago (Sewa TT) is set to host its sixth annual clothing drive on October 25 and 26 at the National Council of Indian Culture’s (NCIC) Divali Nagar site in Chaguanas. This initiative, which began in 2018, has grown into one of the largest textile recycling efforts in the Caribbean, blending environmental sustainability with humanitarian service. Sewa TT’s president, Revan Teelucksingh, emphasized the drive’s evolution, noting its innovative collection and distribution systems have improved each year. The event not only redistributes gently used clothing but also fosters regional collaboration, particularly with Sewa Dominica, Sewa Guyana, and Sewa Suriname, to enhance disaster response logistics. The clothing drive has had a profound impact on the community, providing professional attire for job trainees and law students, and comfort for long-stay hospital patients. Volunteers have also found a sense of community and lasting friendships through their participation. The drive’s system ensures dignity for recipients by allowing them to select clothing in a private setting. Additionally, it addresses environmental concerns by reducing textile waste in landfills. Despite challenges such as funding and time constraints, Sewa TT remains committed to transparency and efficiency, with less than five percent of funds allocated to administrative costs. The organization’s growing volunteer base and partnerships with supermarkets and corporate sponsors highlight the collective effort’s success. Teelucksingh encourages more people to get involved, emphasizing that even small contributions can make a significant difference. The 2025 drive aims to improve the racking system for displaying donations, with a budget exceeding $500,000. For more information or to donate, visit www.sewa.org or contact Sewa TT via WhatsApp at 333-SEWA.

  • Penal man acquitted of attempted murder, malicious damage

    Penal man acquitted of attempted murder, malicious damage

    In a significant legal outcome, a 22-year-old man was acquitted of all charges, including attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and malicious damage, following a retrial at the O’Meara Judicial Centre on October 6. The verdict was delivered by a nine-member jury after a thorough examination of the case, which originated from an alleged incident on July 9, 2023, near Zumba’s Bar on San Francique Road, Penal. The accused, whose identity remains undisclosed to protect the privacy of those involved, was arrested on February 17, 2024, at his workplace. The retrial, presided over by Justice Sherene Murray-Bailey, began on September 10. The prosecution claimed that the accused physically assaulted a woman after a night out, resulting in multiple injuries, and damaged her cellphone. However, the defence argued that the accused had responded to a distress call from the woman and was subsequently attacked by two men accompanying her. Throughout the trial, inconsistencies in the victim’s testimony were highlighted, and the defence questioned the lack of corroborative evidence, such as CCTV footage or independent witness statements. The jury ultimately found the accused not guilty of all charges. The case was represented by Counsel Collin Elbourne and Janeil Chuck of the Public Defenders’ Department, while prosecutors Chenelle Moe and Roger Hinds appeared for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. This case also highlighted the effectiveness of the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act (AJIPA), as the proceedings concluded within 20 months of the accused’s arrest.

  • LATT pushes back on PM’s remarks: ‘We will continue to speak out’

    LATT pushes back on PM’s remarks: ‘We will continue to speak out’

    The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) has firmly responded to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s recent criticisms, asserting its constitutional mandate to address matters related to the rule of law and judicial integrity. In a statement issued on October 24, LATT addressed the Prime Minister’s remarks following its commentary on the appointment of the new Chief Justice, Ronnie Boodoosingh. The association emphasized its statutory duty to independently and impartially comment on issues affecting the administration of justice, upholding the highest standards of the legal profession. LATT President Lynette Seebaran-Suite, SC, underscored the importance of respectful public discourse on legal and constitutional matters, particularly among high-ranking officials, to preserve democratic institutions. The association reaffirmed its commitment to serving the public interest and maintaining its dignified role in national life. This response came after Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar launched a scathing critique of LATT, labeling it a “defiled and discredited organisation” and dismissing its concerns about the Chief Justice appointment process. LATT had earlier raised concerns about the “hastened and truncated” procedure, questioning whether proper consultation had occurred as required by the Constitution. Despite logistical challenges caused by the abrupt retirement of former Chief Justice Ivor Archie, LATT maintained that constitutional procedures should not have been bypassed. The controversy deepened as Acting President Wade Mark proceeded with the appointment despite objections from Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, who claimed insufficient consultation time. Senior Counsel Martin Daly also criticized the process, describing it as “botched” and poorly handled, while acknowledging Boodoosingh’s qualifications. Criminal Bar Association President Israel Khan, SC, defended Boodoosingh’s integrity and independence, citing his past refusal to engage in sycophancy during a previous judicial controversy. LATT concluded by vowing to remain undeterred in fulfilling its constitutional role and calling for continued respect for democratic institutions.