Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Grenadian singer Muddy pays courtesy calls on local ministers

    Grenadian singer Muddy pays courtesy calls on local ministers

    In a significant cultural exchange between neighboring Caribbean nations, Grenada’s reigning Soca Monarch Alex “Muddy” Cuffie conducted diplomatic courtesy visits to senior Trinidadian officials this week. The acclaimed artist, who also holds the People’s Choice Award title, met with Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal at the International Waterfront Centre in Port of Spain.

    The ceremonial meeting featured an exchange of cultural gifts symbolizing the strengthening bonds between the two islands. Cuffie presented Minister Moonilal with an elaborate gift package curated by the Grenadian Prime Minister’s Office, containing authentic Grenadian spices, a heritage photography book, traditional guava jelly and nutmeg jam preserves, alongside a personalized backpack bearing the artist’s signature branding.

    Minister Moonilal reciprocated the diplomatic warmth by expressing his personal admiration for Grenadian culture and revealing his close friendship with Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell. The energy official extended his best wishes for Cuffie’s upcoming performances during Trinidad’s 2026 Carnival season.

    In a separate cultural diplomacy engagement, the Grenadian soca ambassador also met with representatives from Trinidad’s Ministry of Culture, presenting Communications Specialist Jerome Lewis with additional heritage gift packages for Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin.

    Cuffie, who has been in Trinidad since early January, expressed profound appreciation for the overwhelming reception of his hit single ‘Payroll’ among Trinidadian audiences. The artist emphasized the historical interconnectedness between the two nations, noting: ‘TT and Grenada have always had good relations with many families relocating between our islands over time—we are essentially extended family.’

    The cultural ambassador is scheduled to headline A Team Events’ A Class VIP Cooler Experience on January 25th at Cipriani Labour College Grounds, joining other top soca performers backed by the renowned A Team Band.

  • More than a headcount

    More than a headcount

    The Trinidadian government’s recent announcement of a renewed registration process for Venezuelan migrants has raised questions about its broader integration strategy beyond mere documentation. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander revealed on January 22 that migrants would be required to pay a $700 fee to register under the program, which aims to regularize undocumented individuals through the Migrant Registration Framework from January 1 to September 30, 2026.

    While the initiative promises legal residency and work rights, concerns have emerged regarding its narrow focus on Venezuelan nationals and its apparent prioritization of security concerns over integration planning. The registration process will utilize sports venues across Trinidad alongside online platforms, followed by in-person interviews. Notably absent were details regarding non-Venezuelan immigrants within the country.

    Minister Alexander emphasized the security dimensions of the exercise, stating it would help authorities identify individuals “involved in crime and other types of activities” and facilitate investigations. This security-focused approach appears connected to longstanding concerns about drug trafficking from South America, even prior to recent US-Venezuelan tensions.

    The policy carries significant implications for migrants, with deportation threatened for those failing to register. This threat exists despite current difficulties in executing deportations due to diplomatic tensions between Trinidad and Venezuela. These strains have been exacerbated by opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s support for US narco-trafficking rhetoric and subsequent diplomatic exchanges between Caracas and Port of Spain.

    Critical questions remain unanswered regarding the long-term vision for migrant integration. Concerns include educational access for migrant children, formalization of employment opportunities, and potential pathways to residency. Particularly noteworthy is the situation of skilled professionals like engineers and medical practitioners currently working in factories whose potential contributions remain underutilized.

    When questioned about tax obligations for registered migrants, Minister Alexander deferred, stating the immediate focus remains on registration. The government has yet to clarify whether this initiative might evolve toward residency status consideration or address complex issues involving children born to Trinidadian nationals or binational marriages.

    The absence of a comprehensive integration framework leaves uncertainty about how migrants will contribute to Trinidad’s workforce, economy, and social fabric beyond the registration period.

  • Flava Food Village debut a success

    Flava Food Village debut a success

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival 2026 has witnessed the spectacular success of its newest attraction, the Flava Food Village, which has rapidly become a cornerstone of the cultural celebrations. The venue reached new heights during Patrice Roberts’ “Always Us” concert on January 22nd at Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain, where thousands of attendees enjoyed a night of electrifying performances completely free of charge.

    Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin, alongside National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman Peter Kanhai and other dignitaries, personally experienced the vibrant atmosphere among the massive crowd. Benjamin declared the event “nothing short of incredible,” emphasizing the dual benefits of cultural celebration and economic stimulation for local vendors.

    The Minister highlighted the innovative approach of the new NCC Board and ministry stakeholders in creating this platform that simultaneously showcases Trinidad’s culinary arts, cultural identity, and community development. “This year, through the addition of Flava Food Village we have made a difference, we have made an unforgettable impact,” Benjamin stated in an official release.

    The overwhelming public response has been particularly significant given initial criticisms regarding logistical changes to this year’s Carnival production. Benjamin extended special gratitude to Patrice Roberts and her band for their initiative in organizing the free concert, which featured both emerging and established local artists, creating an unparalleled display of Trinidadian talent and energy.

    The Flava Food Village represents a strategic evolution in Carnival programming, successfully blending gastronomic experiences with musical performances while maintaining accessibility through free admission. This innovative model has established a new standard for cultural events in the region, demonstrating how cultural preservation and economic development can coexist harmoniously.

  • Bishop Anstey, QRC get tight wins to start water polo season

    Bishop Anstey, QRC get tight wins to start water polo season

    The 2026 Republic Bank Aquatics Sports Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT) National Secondary Schools Water Polo League commenced with spectacular matches at two national venues, showcasing emerging aquatic talent across multiple age divisions.

    Opening day at the National Aquatic Centre in Couva on January 17 featured nail-biting finishes in both girls’ and boys’ open categories. Bishop Anstey High School narrowly defeated Holy Name Convent 15-14 in a girls’ matchup that saw Abiah Halls deliver a spectacular fourth-quarter performance, scoring five of her six total goals to overcome an 11-8 deficit. Despite Mia Thomas’ impressive eight-goal contribution, Holy Name fell just short in the closing moments.

    The boys’ open division witnessed Queen’s Royal College withstand a late rally from St Mary’s College to secure an 18-15 victory. QRC established dominance through middle quarters, building a 17-12 advantage powered by Javier Jordan’s seven goals and Aaron Villafana’s six goals. Though St Mary’s mounted a final-quarter comeback, QRC maintained their lead for the win.

    Action shifted to Diego Martin Community Pool on January 18 for Form One competitions, where multiple schools demonstrated their developing talent. Diego Martin Central edged Bishop Anstey 8-7 despite Gia-Marie Plaza’s six-goal effort for BAHS, with Taleyah Baker’s hat-trick proving decisive.

    Diego Martin continued their strong showing with a 15-5 victory over St Mary’s in boys’ Form One play, fueled by Keston Brisaan’s remarkable nine-goal performance supplemented by Andriel Williams’ four goals. Fatima College delivered the most dominant performance of the day, overwhelming Trinity College Moka 20-5 behind Taylon Diaz’s 11-goal explosion and Bradley Alexander’s five goals.

    Additional Form One results saw Holy Name defeat Providence Girls’ Catholic School 11-4 with Ariya Bolai De Matas scoring seven goals, while St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain shut out Corpus Christi College 10-0 with Cacique Darbeau (4 goals) and Alyx Campbell (3 goals) leading the offense.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Saturday January 24th 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Saturday January 24th 2026

    The global dietary supplement industry, valued at over $50 billion, operates in a regulatory gray zone that continues to challenge consumers and health professionals alike. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs that require rigorous FDA approval for safety and efficacy, supplements enter the market under the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which places the burden of proof on regulators rather than manufacturers.

    This regulatory framework means supplements can be marketed without pre-market approval, provided they don’t claim to treat specific diseases. The industry has exploded with products ranging from vitamins and minerals to botanicals, amino acids, and proprietary blends, often marketed with structure/function claims that promise general wellness benefits rather than medical outcomes.

    Recent developments have highlighted growing concerns about product safety, ingredient transparency, and misleading marketing practices. The FDA maintains oversight through post-market surveillance, but can only take action against products proven to be unsafe or misbranded after they reach consumers. This reactive approach has led to calls for stricter manufacturing standards and more transparent labeling requirements from medical associations and consumer advocacy groups.

    Experts emphasize that while some supplements demonstrate benefits for specific populations (such as folic acid for pregnant women or vitamin D for those with deficiencies), many products lack substantial clinical evidence. Consumers are advised to consult healthcare providers before beginning any supplement regimen, particularly when combining multiple products or taking them alongside prescription medications where dangerous interactions may occur.

    The digital marketplace has further complicated the landscape, with social media influencers and online retailers accelerating the distribution of products that may contain undisclosed ingredients or contaminants. International regulatory bodies are increasingly collaborating to address cross-border e-commerce challenges and harmonize safety standards in this rapidly evolving wellness sector.

  • Cooper, Ramharack shine in third-place match at T20 Blaze … Positive end for Divas

    Cooper, Ramharack shine in third-place match at T20 Blaze … Positive end for Divas

    In a dramatic conclusion to their Women’s T20 Blaze campaign, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force Divas clinched third place with a hard-fought seven-run victory against Guyana on January 23 in St Vincent. The match showcased exceptional bowling performances and strategic gameplay that kept spectators on edge until the final delivery.

    Batting first, TT posted a competitive 104/7 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks primarily to Britney Cooper’s impressive 46-run contribution. Supporting acts came from Djenaba Joseph (15) and Karishma Ramharack (13), who helped build a defendable total against Guyana’s bowling attack led by Ashmini Munisar’s dominant 4/15 spell.

    Guyana’s chase began promisingly but faltered against TT’s spin-dominated counterattack. Off-spinner Karishma Ramharack emerged as the bowling protagonist with remarkable figures of 3/13, receiving substantial support from Lee-Ann Kirby (2/10), Shalini Samaroo (2/16), and veteran spinner Anisa Mohammed (2/17). Despite Shabika Gajnabi’s resilient 32-run effort, Guyana fell short at 97 all out in 19.4 overs.

    In the day’s other fixture, Jamaica concluded their tournament in fifth position with a commanding ten-wicket triumph over Windward Islands Women. Jamaica’s bowlers restricted Windwards to 62/9 in 20 overs before achieving the target in just 3.4 overs without losing a wicket, demonstrating complete dominance in their final appearance.

  • Lone survivor: $m payment, ‘breath of fresh air’

    Lone survivor: $m payment, ‘breath of fresh air’

    Christopher Boodram, the lone survivor of the devastating 2022 Paria diving incident, has characterized the Trinidad and Tobago government’s $1 million ex gratia payment as a “breath of fresh air” during a January 23 appearance on the state-operated TTT’s TT Today program.

    Boodram revealed his continued inability to resume work since the February 25, 2022 tragedy that claimed the lives of four fellow divers—Faizal Kurban, Yusuff Henry, Rishi Nagessar, and Kazim Ali Jr. The maintenance operation on a 30-inch subsea pipeline at Berth 6 in Pointe-a-Pierre turned catastrophic when a sudden differential pressure event (Delta P) violently pulled the crew into the conduit.

    “My capacity to practice my professional skills remains compromised,” Boodram explained. “This created severe financial strain as all responsibilities—bills, loans, and household expenses—fell solely upon my wife. This compensation represents crucial relief.”

    The survivor disclosed deepened bonds with the families of his deceased colleagues, noting the payments would substantially aid their financial stability after losing primary earners. He expressed particular gratitude to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her cabinet for approving the disbursement.

    Boodram offered sharp criticism toward the previous administration, accusing them of treating affected families “like dogs” through inadequate support and political manipulation. He described a scripted meeting with former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley that allowed minimal genuine dialogue, and condemned subsequent leader Stuart Young for allegedly using the tragedy as “an election gimmick.”

    Young, interviewed outside the Red House, acknowledged satisfaction that families received payments originally approved by his cabinet in April 2025, though he characterized the current administration’s action as “nothing new.” He referenced governmental challenges in navigating legal complexities while attempting to provide interim support during ongoing court proceedings.

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar personally distributed payments to Boodram and two families at the Diplomatic Centre on January 22, with confirmation that remaining families would receive compensation shortly.

  • Jereem meets Lyles in 300m at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix

    Jereem meets Lyles in 300m at New Balance Indoor Grand Prix

    Trinidad and Tobago’s premier sprinter Jereem Richards is poised for a formidable early-season challenge as he prepares to compete in the men’s 300-meter event at the prestigious New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston on January 24. The race, scheduled for approximately 4:20 PM Trinidad and Tobago time, will serve as the culminating event of a day filled with elite athletic competitions.

    The 32-year-old Richards enters a star-studded field that features multiple Olympic and world champions. His competition includes reigning 100-meter Olympic champion Noah Lyles, 2016 World Indoor 60-meter champion Trayvon Bromell, and versatile 400-meter specialist Vernon Norwood—a two-time Olympic gold medalist as part of the dominant US 4×400-meter relay team.

    Richards brings impressive credentials to the starting line, having established a new national record with his spectacular 43.72-second performance in the men’s 400-meter final at last year’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he captured the silver medal. The Caribbean athlete also holds the current meet record at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, having clocked 32.10 seconds in the 2018 edition.

    The statistical comparisons reveal the elite nature of this competition: Lyles boasts an indoor personal best of 31.87 seconds from 2017, while Norwood recorded his best time of 31.81 seconds in 2022. This event marks Bromell’s inaugural official 300-meter race, adding an element of unpredictability to the already intense competition.

    As the first World Athletics Indoor Tour gold meeting of the 2026 season, the Boston event provides critical competitive preparation for athletes building toward the World Athletics Indoor Championships scheduled for March 20-22 in Poland.

  • UWI rises in global ranking

    UWI rises in global ranking

    The University of the West Indies (UWI) has achieved a remarkable milestone in global higher education, securing a position within the top 3.6% of universities worldwide according to the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026. This accomplishment places UWI among 2,191 elite institutions selected from over 33,000 degree-granting universities across 115 countries.

    The THE rankings, recognized as the gold standard in academic excellence evaluation, assess institutions based on comprehensive performance indicators including teaching quality, research environment, knowledge transfer capabilities, and international outlook. UWI’s consistent upward trajectory in these rankings demonstrates its growing global influence and academic prowess.

    Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles attributed this success to the university’s strategic focus on enhancing intellectual productivity and expanding global partnerships. “Our steadfast adherence to our strategic plan has proven instrumental in building our scholastic brand and international profile,” Beckles stated. “These results reflect the substantial collective input of our academic community.”

    The university has shown significant improvements across multiple metrics, particularly in research quality and international engagement. Scholars have demonstrated enhanced research output, resulting in increased recognition and impact of publications and academic presentations. The institution’s global outlook has similarly expanded, evidenced by growing scholarly impact, international collaborations, and participation in elite intellectual networks.

    Despite operating within considerable fiscal constraints, UWI continues to make substantial contributions across diverse fields including climate change research, public health initiatives, arts and culture narratives, economic development studies, and social justice paradigms. This achievement gains additional significance as the university approaches its centenary in 2048.

    Established in 1948 as a college of the University of London with merely 33 medical students, UWI has evolved into an internationally respected institution with nearly 50,000 students across five Caribbean campuses and global centers spanning North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. The university offers over 800 academic programs spanning culture, creative arts, agriculture, engineering, humanities, law, medical sciences, and technology.

    Beyond its THE ranking success, UWI maintains its position as the Caribbean’s leading university and ranks among the top 25 institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean. It consistently receives recognition in THE’s Impact Rankings for addressing global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in areas of Good Health and Wellbeing, Gender Equality, and Climate Action.

  • Kadeem Corbin helps Central grab point vs Army

    Kadeem Corbin helps Central grab point vs Army

    In a dramatic TT Premier Football League showdown on January 21, MIC Central FC mounted a resilient comeback to hold league leaders Defence Force to a 2-2 draw at Phase 2 La Horquetta Recreation Grounds. The match, a rescheduled fixture between last season’s runners-up and defending champions, delivered intense action and strategic gameplay.

    Defence Force appeared poised to extend their dominance after securing a 1-0 victory in the teams’ previous encounter on January 17 at Dwight Yorke Stadium, where central defender Shirwin Noel’s spectacular strike decided the outcome.

    The Army/Coast Guard combination established early control with winger Tyrese Bailey opening the scoring in the 17th minute. Central FC responded with determination as defender Alvin Jones leveled the score in the 35th minute, marking his inaugural goal of the season. Bailey restored Defence Force’s advantage just before halftime, capitalizing on stoppage time to complete his brace and establish a 2-1 lead.

    The second half saw Defence Force pressing to widen their table lead, but Central FC’s persistence paid dividends when veteran striker Kadeem Corbin delivered the decisive blow in the 76th minute. Corbin’s clinical finish secured a valuable point for his team and prevented Defence Force from creating a five-point cushion at the summit.

    In the accompanying La Horquetta double-header, 1976 FC Phoenix replicated their previous success against Caledonia AIA with another 2-0 victory. Javon Williams broke the deadlock in the 20th minute before midfielder Ammari Alleyne sealed the result with a 52nd-minute strike. This fourth triumph of the campaign propelled Phoenix from tenth to ninth position in the twelve-team standings.

    The draw leaves Defence Force atop the table with 33 points from 13 matches, maintaining a three-point advantage over second-place Club Sando (30 points), while Police FC occupies third position with 27 points. Central FC remains in sixth place with 18 points, demonstrating their capacity to challenge the league’s elite teams.