Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Promoter sues Vybz Kartel over cancelled Trinidad festival

    Promoter sues Vybz Kartel over cancelled Trinidad festival

    Prominent Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel (legal name Adidja Azim Palmer) is facing a substantial breach-of-contract lawsuit filed by Trinidad-based event promoter Jacho Entertainment Ltd. The legal action, submitted to the High Court of Justice on January 13, alleges the artist wrongfully canceled his headline performance at the One Caribbean Music Festival in Port of Spain despite receiving over US$1.1 million in advance payments.

    The dispute centers around a performance agreement executed on November 22, 2024, which stipulated Kartel would headline the festival for a total fee of US$1.35 million. According to court documents, the event was initially scheduled for February 28, 2025, before being rescheduled to May 31, 2025, though no formal amendment to the payment schedule was executed.

    Jacho Entertainment claims it had fulfilled approximately 81% of its financial obligation prior to the event date, with the remaining US$250,000 scheduled for payment upon the artist’s arrival in Trinidad. The promoter attributes the delayed final payment to temporary foreign exchange restrictions in Trinidad and Tobago, which they maintain were properly communicated to Kartel’s management team.

    The lawsuit alleges that Kartel failed to board his scheduled flight to Trinidad on May 30, 2025, with his management subsequently demanding full payment before his arrival—a condition allegedly not stipulated in the original contract. The artist then publicly announced the cancellation on the day of the event through social media channels.

    Jacho Entertainment is seeking significant compensation for incurred expenses exceeding TT$7.3 million covering staging, production, marketing, and logistical costs. The claim includes demands for special damages, general damages for reputational harm and lost opportunities, restitution, and interest. The filing additionally references allegedly defamatory statements made by Kartel on social media that the promoter claims falsely attributed blame for the cancellation.

    Legal representatives Criston Williams and Anthea Smith are representing Jacho Entertainment in proceedings that highlight the complex financial and contractual dynamics within the international music performance industry.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Saturday January 17th 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Saturday January 17th 2026

    A comprehensive scientific review has cast significant doubt on the efficacy of many widely consumed dietary supplements, urging both consumers and healthcare providers to adopt a more evidence-based approach to their use. The analysis, which synthesizes findings from numerous clinical trials and meta-studies, reveals that a substantial portion of the multi-billion dollar supplement industry operates on claims that are not robustly supported by scientific data.

    The review meticulously examined popular categories including multivitamins, probiotics, omega-3s, and various herbal extracts. Findings indicate that while certain supplements like folic acid for prenatal health or vitamin D for specific deficiency cases are well-supported, many others show negligible benefits for the general population. For instance, the widespread use of multivitamins was found to offer no significant protection against major chronic diseases such as heart disease or cognitive decline in healthy adults.

    Experts cited in the report emphasize a ‘food-first’ philosophy, arguing that nutrients are most effectively absorbed and utilized by the body when consumed through a balanced and varied diet rather than in isolated, high-dose formulations. The research also highlights potential risks, including the possibility of adverse interactions with prescription medications and the toxicity associated with megadoses of certain fat-soluble vitamins.

    The timing of this review is critical, as the global supplement market continues to experience exponential growth, often fueled by aggressive marketing and anecdotal success stories rather than conclusive research. The authors call for more stringent regulatory oversight and higher-quality, large-scale clinical trials to definitively establish the benefits and risks of these widely available products. They conclude that for the average healthy individual, financial resources are better invested in whole foods rather than an array of pills with unproven returns.

  • Parliament approves three pieces of proposed legislation in marathon sitting

    Parliament approves three pieces of proposed legislation in marathon sitting

    In an extraordinary legislative marathon concluding at 3:32 AM on January 17, Trinidad and Tobago’s House of Representatives passed three significant bills during its inaugural 2026 parliamentary session. The proceedings, which commenced at 1:30 PM the previous day, demonstrated both bipartisan cooperation and political division across different legislative measures.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar personally introduced two of the three approved bills: the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2026 and the Tobago House of Assembly (Amendment) Bill 2026. The third piece of legislation, the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) Bill 2026, completed the trio of approved measures.

    The Tobago House of Assembly amendment received unprecedented unanimous support from all 38 attending parliamentarians, representing a rare moment of cross-party consensus. This legislation expands the THA’s administrative capacity by increasing secretarial positions from seven to twelve while simultaneously raising assembly quorum requirements from nine to twelve members.

    Contrasting sharply with this unity, the remaining two bills passed amid substantial opposition dissent. The motor vehicle amendment establishes a graduated enforcement system whereby drivers receive written warnings for specified vehicle defects, followed by either three or seven-day remediation periods depending on violation severity. The legislation passed with 27 government votes against 11 opposition rejections.

    Similarly divided voting patterns characterized the passage of the Law Reform bill, which empowers the Prime Minister to designate special security zones with parliamentary approval. These zones grant enhanced search, seizure, and arrest authorities to joint police and military operations targeting high-crime areas.

    The extended session also addressed substantial parliamentary business beyond these primary bills, including the presentation of 19 official papers and government responses to two urgent questions plus twelve additional opposition inquiries.

  • Isaiah ‘Bongo’ Leacock brace steers Jabloteh past Eagles

    Isaiah ‘Bongo’ Leacock brace steers Jabloteh past Eagles

    In a thrilling TT Premier Football League encounter at Phase 2 La Horquetta recreation ground on January 16, San Juan Jabloteh secured a decisive 4-2 victory against Eagles FC, largely powered by former Defence Force striker Isaiah “Bongo” Leacock’s exceptional performance. The recently transferred forward demonstrated his scoring prowess with two crucial goals, bringing his personal tally to four since joining Jabloteh earlier this month.

    The match dynamics unfolded with Leacock initiating the scoring in the 19th minute with a precise finish past Eagles goalkeeper Akiel Seifert. Jabloteh strengthened their position when Jadel Carter’s unfortunate own goal doubled their advantage in the 27th minute. Leacock further cemented Jabloteh’s dominance just before halftime, calmly converting a 44th-minute penalty to establish a commanding 3-0 lead.

    Eagles FC displayed resilience in the second half as Josiah Edwards narrowed the deficit with a 61st-minute strike. However, Jabloteh’s strategic recruitment continued to pay dividends when another new signing, Caden Trestrail—also formerly of Defence Force—restored the three-goal margin in the 68th minute. Despite a late consolation goal from Eagles’ prolific winger Dominic Douglas in the 88th minute (his eighth of the campaign, making him joint-top league scorer), Jabloteh secured all three points, climbing from eighth to seventh position in the standings.

    In the accompanying double-header fixture, Miscellaneous Police FC missed a critical opportunity to draw level with league leaders Defence Force, settling for a 1-1 draw against fourth-placed Prisons FC. Jabari Mitchell’s 23rd-minute opener for Police was neutralized by Kevon Williams’ 48th-minute equalizer, replicating his Boxing Day heroics when he secured Prisons’ previous 1-0 victory against the same opponents.

    The TTPFL action was scheduled to continue on January 17 at Tobago’s Dwight Yorke Stadium, featuring bottom-placed 1976 FC Phoenix against Caledonia AIA, followed by leaders Defence Force confronting last season’s runners-up MIC Central FC Reboot.

  • 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.

  • Red Force Divas whipped by Leewards in T20 Blaze

    Red Force Divas whipped by Leewards in T20 Blaze

    The Leeward Islands women’s cricket team extended their undefeated streak in the Cricket West Indies T20 Blaze tournament with a commanding four-wicket victory over Trinidad and Tobago Red Force Divas on January 17th at Arnos Vale Playing Field in Kingstown, St. Vincent.

    Facing disciplined bowling and exceptional fielding from the Leewards, the TT women struggled significantly with their batting performance. Restricted to a modest total of 74/9 from their allotted 20 overs, the Divas found scoring difficult throughout their innings. Middle-order batter Amelia Khan emerged as the top scorer with 17 runs, while only two other teammates managed to reach double figures.

    The Leewards’ bowling attack demonstrated remarkable precision, led by Davronique Maynard’s impressive figures of 2/12 and captain Amanda Edwards’ contribution of 2/20. Beyond their bowling excellence, the Leewards displayed extraordinary fielding prowess that included two spectacular run-outs and several sharp catches.

    A highlight moment occurred in the seventh over when Rozel Liburd executed a sensational direct hit from her own bowling to dismiss Djenaba Joseph for just five runs. Later in the 15th over, allrounder Jahzara Claxton showcased exceptional fielding awareness with a quick pickup and accurate throw to eliminate Kirbyina Alexander.

    Despite requiring a flawless bowling performance to defend their low total, TT initially showed promise by removing hard-hitting opener Qiana Joseph through a run-out in the very first over. Leg-spinner Brianna Harricharan provided a crucial breakthrough in the fifth over, dismissing Shawnisha Hector with the score at 26.

    The Leewards faced a brief scare when they slipped to 73/6 by the 16th over, but Jahzara Claxton’s unbeaten 12-run cameo, featuring both a four and a six, secured victory with 23 balls remaining. Claxton had earlier survived two close chances, including a dropped catch and a tight stumping appeal.

    This victory marks the Leewards’ third consecutive win in the competition, following previous successes against Jamaica and Guyana. Meanwhile, TT now stands with one win and two losses from three matches and will face Guyana in their next encounter on January 19th.

  • Isabel Dennis on crusade to create safe learning places

    Isabel Dennis on crusade to create safe learning places

    Educator Isabel Dennis has pioneered an innovative educational framework rooted in Caribbean cultural heritage that is demonstrating remarkable success in transforming the school experience for students. Her groundbreaking Village System, currently being implemented at St. Anthony’s College in Diego Martin, represents the culmination of two decades of research into holistic education methods across multiple countries.

    The system draws inspiration from indigenous Caribbean wisdom preserved through traditional practices like kalinda (stickfighting) from the Bois Academy of Trinidad and Tobago. This approach has been adapted into four foundational pillars: culture, leadership, identity, and values, forming what Dennis describes as ‘restorative discipline.’ Rather than punitive measures, this method emphasizes accountability through constructive dialogue, asking students: ‘What happened?’ ‘Who was affected?’ and ‘How can we make it right?’

    Beyond conflict resolution, the comprehensive program integrates taekwondo, permaculture, and specialized leadership sessions directly into the curriculum. The initiative actively involves both parents and teachers through workshops addressing contemporary parenting challenges and providing educators with practical restorative tools for classroom management.

    Dennis’s motivation stems from personal childhood experiences of emotional insecurity in educational environments, driving her lifelong commitment to ensuring no child feels unsafe in schools. The program has already shown significant impact, with student participation expanding from 35 to 102 participants across three classes following demonstrated success in its initial pilot phase.

    Parental feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with reports of improved confidence, communication, and attitude toward school among participants. The program’s community-led approach demonstrates how educational transformation can occur without massive budgets or infrastructure changes, utilizing existing resources more effectively through culturally relevant methodologies.

    Looking forward, Dennis envisions expanding this model across 50 Caribbean schools within five years, fundamentally shifting educational conversations from exam performance to leadership development and cultural identity. The initiative represents a grassroots movement toward educational systems that honor Caribbean heritage while preparing students to shape their future with confidence and cultural pride.