Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Marabella man murdered on Old Year’s night

    Marabella man murdered on Old Year’s night

    In a tragic conclusion to 2025’s violent crime statistics, Dexter Griffith, a 53-year-old laborer from Isaac Avenue, Plaisance Park, became what authorities believe to be the year’s final homicide victim during a New Year’s Eve ambush in Marabella.

    The fatal incident occurred approximately at 9 pm on December 31st, while Griffith was socializing with family members at the intersection of Charles Street and George Street. According to police reports, an unidentified vehicle abruptly stopped near the gathering, from which an armed assailant emerged.

    Eyewitness accounts indicate that Griffith’s common-law wife, daughter, and another male companion immediately fled through a nearby pathway upon recognizing the imminent threat. During their escape, multiple gunshots echoed through the neighborhood.

    Law enforcement personnel from the Marabella Police Station responded promptly to emergency calls. Upon arrival, officers discovered Griffith’s lifeless body at the scene. Official medical confirmation was provided by a District Medical Officer who subsequently pronounced death.

    Forensic experts from the Crime Scene Investigation Unit conducted a thorough examination, recovering substantial ballistic evidence including seven discharged 9mm cartridge casings and one live round of the same caliber. The investigation remains ongoing with no established motive for the targeted killing at this preliminary stage.

    The homicide adds to Trinidad and Tobago’s ongoing challenges with violent crime, particularly highlighting the persistent issue of firearm-related violence in community settings. Local authorities continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward with any information that might assist in identifying the perpetrators.

  • Neglect followed by neglect

    Neglect followed by neglect

    Health Minister Lackram Bodoe has committed to re-examining the protracted legal case involving eight-year-old Davyn Ragoo and his family, who have been engaged in prolonged litigation to secure essential medical support. This development follows a front-page news report on December 28 that highlighted the family’s struggle against the state’s legal opposition.

    Davyn belongs to a cohort of children born with microcephaly linked to the 2017 Zika virus outbreak. His mother, Kavita Ramkissoon-Ragoo, was compelled to initiate legal proceedings to draw governmental attention to her son’s medical requirements. Although Justice Joan Charles delivered a landmark ruling condemning the state’s failure to provide adequate medical treatment and support, the administration initially announced intentions to appeal the verdict—a threat that ultimately remained unexecuted.

    For years, the case remained in legal limbo, compounding the family’s distress as Davyn grew older without resolved support mechanisms. While Minister Bodoe’s review team has not yet established a timeline or determined specific outcomes, his engagement acknowledges two critical systemic deficiencies.

    Firstly, the case underscores severe gaps in healthcare services for patients with special needs, particularly those affected by Zika and its complications. Addressing these shortcomings would signal a commitment to long-term healthcare reform. Secondly, the situation reveals a misalignment between the litigation strategies of the Attorney General’s office and the public service obligations of government ministries. The pattern of challenging vulnerable citizens in court raises fundamental questions about the state’s fulfillment of its social contract responsibilities.

    The minister’s intervention offers cautious optimism for numerous families facing similar battles, emphasizing that Ramkissoon-Ragoo’s struggle is neither isolated nor uncommon within the current healthcare landscape.

  • Cycling year in review: Paul, Wallace light up the track; Teniel conquers road

    Cycling year in review: Paul, Wallace light up the track; Teniel conquers road

    The 2025 cycling season proved exceptionally successful for Trinidad and Tobago, marked by outstanding international achievements, regional supremacy, and promising junior development, despite concluding under the cloud of ongoing litigation between the national federation and several elite athletes.

    Throughout the year, Trinidad and Tobago cyclists demonstrated remarkable prowess across both track and road disciplines, securing medals and achieving breakthrough performances at various international competitions.

    Nicholas Paul emerged as the nation’s track cycling standard-bearer, delivering a spectacular performance at the Pan American Track Cycling Championships in Asunción, Paraguay. The two-time World Championships medalist claimed three gold medals in the men’s sprint, team sprint, and 1K time trial, supplemented by a silver in the keirin. Paul continued his winning streak with sprint gold at California’s Summer Slam event, though he narrowly missed the podium at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Chile. He concluded his season with additional gold and silver medals at the historic Bolivarian Games debut, earning him Male International Cyclist of the Year honors.

    On the road, endurance specialist Teniel Campbell dominated the Caribbean Elite Road Cycling Championships in Belize, securing dual gold in both the individual time trial and road race events. Her Pan American track medals earlier in the season, combined with a respectable 23rd place finish at the UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda, earned her Female International Cyclist of the Year recognition.

    The season’s most remarkable breakthrough came from sprint sensation Makaira Wallace, who skyrocketed from 86th to 23rd in the UCI world rankings. Wallace established a new national record in sprint qualifying at the UCI Track Nations Cup in Turkey, made history as Trinidad and Tobago’s first female sprint qualifier at the World Championships, and set another national record in the 500m time trial. Her triple-bronze performance at the Junior Pan Am Games, coupled with silver and bronze at the Bolivarian Games, earned her both Junior Sportswoman of the Year and People’s Choice awards.

    Endurance prospect Akil Campbell showed promise with strong performances at the Caribbean Road Championships, while junior cyclists including Danell James, Jelani Nedd, and Ryan D’Abreau contributed to team sprint bronze at the Pan Am Games. Jadian Neaves impressed at the Easter International Grand Prix and claimed bronze in the Under-23 road race at the Caribbean Championships.

    Despite these achievements, the season concluded with unresolved legal proceedings between the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation and three cyclists—Njisane Phillip, Makaira Wallace, and Alexi Ramirez—regarding contested selection trials for the upcoming Pan Am Track Championships. The matter remains pending after a December 30 virtual hearing before Justice James.

  • Coastguardsman denied promotion, gets $175,000 in damages

    Coastguardsman denied promotion, gets $175,000 in damages

    In a significant judicial rebuke of military administrative practices, High Court Justice Kevin Ramcharan has delivered a landmark ruling condemning the unlawful treatment of Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard officer Lieutenant (Naval) Chevon Diaz. The January 2nd decision found that flawed performance evaluations and unsubstantiated allegations regarding a missing weapon were improperly utilized to obstruct Diaz’s career advancement.

    The court determined that Diaz was wrongfully denied promotion to acting lieutenant commander despite his 18 years of service, with junior officers being elevated ahead of him in violation of established protocols. Justice Ramcharan’s 50-page judgment exposed critical flaws in the state’s evidence, particularly scrutinizing the affidavit testimony of then-Coast Guard commanding officer Captain Don Polo (now Chief of Defence Staff), which the court described as repeatedly claiming ignorance regarding matters directly within his purview.

    The ruling centered on a 2018 incident involving a missing firearm, which had been used to justify negative performance assessments. The court established that Diaz held no command responsibility for the vessel when the weapon disappeared and that another crew member was actually responsible. With no formal finding of guilt against Diaz, the judge declared that his seniority could not legally be affected by these allegations.

    Justice Ramcharan’s decision mandated that Diaz should have received his promotion to acting lieutenant commander on September 15, 2017—exactly six years after his appointment as lieutenant—with substantive rank advancement following on September 15, 2020. The court additionally ordered reconsideration of Diaz’s eligibility for the Efficiency Medal, requiring assessment based solely on relevant factors rather than the improperly cited weapons incident.

    The state was ordered to pay $175,000 in damages—$100,000 as compensatory damages and $75,000 as vindicatory damages—plus 2.5% annual interest from the claim date until judgment. The ruling also included costs and multiple declaratory orders rectifying Diaz’s promotion timeline and service record.

  • Empowering the next generation: 60 cricketers shine at Nicky P Batting Academy

    Empowering the next generation: 60 cricketers shine at Nicky P Batting Academy

    Cricket superstar Nicholas Pooran is investing in the future of West Indies cricket through his burgeoning developmental academy. The third installment of the bmobile Nicky P Batting Academy concluded successfully at Kumar Rampat Cricket Academy in Point Lisas, attracting 60 promising young athletes from across Trinidad and Tobago.

    The initiative, launched in 2023 with 50 participants, has demonstrated consistent growth and expanded its reach to include young female cricketers for the first time. Eight girls joined this year’s program, including emerging talent Brianna Harricharan from the Windies Under-19 women’s team. The 17-year-old described the experience as transformative, noting that ‘interacting with a legend like Nicky P was truly motivating’ for refining her technical skills and competitive mindset.

    Under Pooran’s leadership and the coaching expertise of Kumar and Vasu Rampat, the two-day intensive camp provided elite batting instruction while emphasizing mental conditioning and technical development. The program’s most exceptional performers—approximately 10-15 participants—will advance to an exclusive six-month scholarship program offering approximately 256 hours of high-performance training.

    The academy attracted additional cricket royalty, with T20 icons Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard making appearances alongside government official Barry Padarath. Bravo praised the initiative’s role in identifying and nurturing future talent, emphasizing its importance for Caribbean cricket development.

    Participants demonstrated their skills in various challenges, with Declan Manswell claiming victory in the power-hitting competition. Other recognitions included Angel Bishop and Levi Burke as Best Teammates, Savad Koon Koon as Most Enthusiastic, and Jannah Mohammed as Most Disciplined.

    Anjanie Ramesar-Soom, bmobile’s corporate social responsibility specialist, highlighted Pooran’s consistent commitment as the program’s distinguishing factor. ‘By creating structured access to elite coaching and mentorship,’ she noted, ‘Pooran is equipping young cricketers with the tools required to progress beyond talent alone.’

    The camp concluded with selected participants receiving authentic Pooran jerseys from international franchises and gifts from sponsors including bmobile, Powerade, and the Unit Trust Corporation.

  • Trinidad and Tobago cricketer Karishma Ramharack: Women’s sport is no joke

    Trinidad and Tobago cricketer Karishma Ramharack: Women’s sport is no joke

    In a powerful address at the 31st annual TT Olympic Committee (TTOC) awards ceremony in Port of Spain, West Indies women’s cricket star Karishma Ramharack delivered a compelling plea for the professionalization of women’s sports across Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean region.

    The accomplished off-spinner, recipient of both the 2024 First Citizens Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year and 2025 TTCB Female International Cricketer of the Year awards, drew from her six years of international experience to challenge prevailing attitudes toward female athletics. Speaking before an audience at Queen’s Hall on December 29, 2025, Ramharack emphasized that women’s sports should not be treated as recreational pastimes but as serious professional pursuits.

    ‘Women’s sports is not a side story. It’s not a phase. It’s not something young girls should try before choosing something practical,’ declared Ramharack, whose cricketing credentials include 90 international appearances across ODI and T20 formats. ‘What I see every day are women who are disciplined, strategic, resilient, and capable of excellence under pressure.’

    The athlete provided concrete examples of professional commitment, describing the rigorous discipline required at elite levels: ‘The early mornings and getting my workouts in regardless of where I am in the world… Cutting sugar completely out of my diet and sticking to it, even when cravings hit… Choosing discipline over comfort, purpose over pleasure, every single day.’

    Addressing parents and guardians directly, Ramharack urged a paradigm shift in how young female athletes are encouraged: ‘When your daughter shows interest in cricket, athletics, football, cycling, or any sport, don’t ask her how long it will last. Ask her how far she wants to go.’ She positioned sports as a viable career path that builds character and creates opportunities, emphasizing that ‘the next Olympian, medallist or the next leader in sport might be sitting in a classroom right now waiting for someone to take her seriously.’

    Ramharack’s advocacy comes amid a successful competitive period for Trinidad and Tobago athletes. Following the men’s and women’s teams claiming silver at the recent Bolivarian Games in Peru, Ramharack and her colleagues are now focused on qualifying for the LA 2028 Olympic Games through increased competition under the TTOC banner.

  • Coastguardsman denied promotion, gets $175,000 in damages

    Coastguardsman denied promotion, gets $175,000 in damages

    In a landmark ruling that exposes significant administrative failures within Trinidad and Tobago’s defense establishment, High Court Justice Kevin Ramcharan has ordered the state to pay $175,000 in damages to Coast Guard Lieutenant (Naval) Chevon Diaz for unlawfully denying his promotion. The December 30 judgment revealed that flawed performance evaluations and unsubstantiated allegations regarding a missing weapon were improperly utilized to hinder Diaz’s career advancement.

    The court determined that Diaz, an 18-year veteran of the TT Coast Guard (TTCG), was unjustly bypassed for promotion to acting lieutenant commander due to irrelevant and unsupported claims that contaminated decisions affecting his seniority, compensation, and professional trajectory. Justice Ramcharan delivered a sharply critical assessment of the evidence presented by the state, particularly questioning the affidavit testimony of then-Coast Guard commanding officer Captain Don Polo (now Chief of Defence Staff), which demonstrated repeated claims of ignorance regarding matters directly within his purview.

    Central to the case was a 2018 incident involving a missing firearm. The court established that Diaz was not in command of the vessel when the weapon disappeared and that a rating outside his crew was responsible. Since no finding of guilt was ever made against Diaz, the judge ruled that his seniority could not legally be impacted and that negative appraisals connected to the incident should not have been used to penalize him.

    Justice Ramcharan expressed particular concern about the quality of the defense’s evidence, noting: ‘On several occasions, Capt Polo averred that he could not admit or deny certain allegations because it was not within his knowledge. Clearly that cannot be true. He must know about matters concerning him. Therefore, the court views Capt Polo’s averments with respect to those issues very skeptically.’

    The court established that Diaz should have been promoted to acting lieutenant commander on September 15, 2017—exactly six years after his appointment as lieutenant—and to the substantive rank on September 15, 2020, aligning with previous High Court precedent regarding promotion timelines.

    Regarding Diaz’s claim for the Efficiency Medal, which requires 12 years of ‘irreproachable’ service, the court determined that while the standard exceeds mere absence of convictions, the weapons incident could not have tarnished Diaz’s reputation since he was not responsible. The judge ordered reconsideration of the medal decision based solely on relevant factors, though stopped short of directly awarding the medal.

    The court awarded Diaz $100,000 in compensatory damages and $75,000 in vindicatory damages, plus 2.5% annual interest from the claim date until judgment, along with legal costs. Attorneys Arden Williams and Mariah Ramrattan successfully represented Diaz in both judicial review and constitutional proceedings against the Coast Guard commanding officer, the Defence Force Commissions Board, and the Attorney General.

  • Marine management for national development

    Marine management for national development

    Marine conservation expert Dr. Anjani Ganase has issued a stark warning about Trinidad and Tobago’s deteriorating ocean governance, highlighting systemic failures in marine protection that threaten both ecological stability and sustainable development. Despite acceding to the Cartagena Convention’s SPAW and LBS protocols in 1986, the nation’s marine management remains critically underdeveloped, operating with fisheries legislation dating back to 1916 and leaving protected areas like Buccoo Reef effectively unregulated.

    The accelerating impacts of climate change compound these administrative shortcomings, creating what Ganase describes as ‘governance inertia’ that jeopardizes food security, tourism potential, and climate resilience. The absence of comprehensive marine spatial planning undermines proposed blue economy initiatives, while unregulated tourism operations escalate safety and environmental risks. Particularly alarming is the neglect of environmentally sensitive areas—no marine zones have received official protection in Tobago, and invertebrates and plants remain excluded from protected species lists.

    Ganase identifies fragmented institutional responsibility as a core problem, with jurisdiction split between the Tobago House of Assembly and Environmental Management Authority without coordinated mechanisms. This dysfunction manifests in repeatedly failed conservation legislation, including multiple iterations of the National Parks Bill, and forces government organizations to seek international funding for basic conservation duties.

    The consequences are visible across coastal ecosystems: ghost fishing nets entangle marine life, algal overgrowth replaces coral reefs south of Scarborough Harbour, and plastic pollution chokes beaches after weekend gatherings. These issues represent not merely aesthetic concerns but substantial economic liabilities, with millions spent on reactive flood emergency relief that preventative waste management could mitigate.

    Ganase proposes a comprehensive solution centered on establishing a single marine governance authority with enforcement capabilities, integrated waste management systems, and sustainable financing embedded in national budgets. Such reforms would position Trinidad and Tobago to develop genuine sustainable blue economy opportunities—from regulated aquaculture to eco-tourism—while fulfilling its duty as custodians of marine resources for future generations.

    The path forward requires recognizing marine conservation not as an impediment to development but as its essential foundation, combining scientific research, adaptive management, and transparent stakeholder engagement to create a legacy of oceanic stewardship.

  • Couva Carnival gets going with pageant screening

    Couva Carnival gets going with pageant screening

    The Couva Carnival Committee (CCC) has unveiled ambitious plans for its 2026 festivities, commencing with the screening of aspirants for the Miss Central Trinidad Pageant on January 3rd at Lisas Gardens Community Centre. This year’s pageant gains distinctive prominence as it coincides with Valentine’s Day celebrations on February 14th, promising unique romantic-themed surprises for both participants and attendees.

    CCC chairman Ramchand Rajbal Maraj revealed that the committee has engineered special Valentine’s-inspired attractions that will create memorable experiences for carnival-goers. “We encourage everyone to arrive promptly on Carnival Saturday evening at the Couva Carnival Centre for an exceptional spectacle,” Maraj announced. “Attendees might depart with extraordinary Valentine-themed surprises that will make this celebration truly unforgettable.”

    The pageant serves as the centerpiece of Couva’s six-day carnival extravaganza and functions as a strategic springboard for young women pursuing careers in the beauty industry. Maraj anticipates robust participation during the screening process, noting the event’s established reputation for launching successful pageant careers.

    Two significant preliminary events will precede the grand finals: the sponsor selection and contestant sashing ceremony at Touch & Taste Restaurant in California on February 6th, followed by an extensive motorcade through central Trinidad’s communities on February 7th.

    Maraj projected that the 2026 celebrations would surpass previous years in scale and quality, citing enhanced organizational structures with specialized sub-committees overseeing specific event aspects. The committee is actively seeking increased sponsorship support from both public and private sector entities, emphasizing the events’ demonstrated capacity to attract thousands of participants due to their exceptional production quality.

    In parallel developments, auditions for the Couva Calypso Monarch competitions will commence on January 11th at Balmain Community Centre, featuring both senior and junior categories starting at 9:00 AM.

  • Stakeholders weigh-in on new price regime — Dreading new hikes

    Stakeholders weigh-in on new price regime — Dreading new hikes

    Trinidad and Tobago’s business sector entered 2026 with significant apprehension as multiple government-mandated cost increases took effect on January 1st. The sweeping changes include doubled customs declaration fees from $40 to $80 and substantial increases in container examination fees, with 20-foot containers now costing $750 (up from $375) and 40-foot containers rising to $1,050 (from $525).

    The pharmaceutical industry expressed particular concern, with Pharmacy Board president Dr. Andrew Rahaman warning that these increases would exacerbate already rising medication costs. “The population could do with some relief,” Rahaman stated, emphasizing that essential medications should be exempt from such increases. He explained that additional landing costs would inevitably be transferred through wholesale suppliers to pharmacies and ultimately to consumers.

    Glenwayne Suchit, President of the Private Pharmacy Retail Association, noted that while large conglomerates could absorb the increased fees, many importers would likely use them as justification for further price hikes. Suchit revealed that stakeholders would meet with customs officials and health authorities on January 26th to address monopolistic practices and price transparency issues.

    Manufacturing representatives joined the chorus of concern. TT Manufacturers Association CEO Dr. Mahindra Ramdeen acknowledged the importance of border security but warned that the increased costs would “disproportionately impact the manufacturing sector.” Various business chambers amplified these concerns, noting the cumulative effect on small and medium enterprises already struggling with multiple cost increases.

    The automotive sector faced separate challenges with adjustments to the Motor Vehicles Act that raised import age limits for CNG vehicles to eight years. TT Automotive Dealers Association president Visham Babwah warned consumers about the pitfalls of older vehicles, citing potential quality issues and emission concerns. While supporting a fairly implemented 30% quota increase for stakeholders, Babwah called for revisions to minor traffic fines, suggesting grace periods for minor repairs.

    Despite the widespread concerns, some business leaders acknowledged the government’s need to balance operational costs. TTCSI president Dianne Joseph emphasized that “revenue increases must be matched by service improvements,” urging enhanced efficiency at ports. Couva Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce president Deoraj Mahase reported early improvements in customs processing times, suggesting that faster clearance could offset some increased costs.

    The business community now awaits the practical implementation of these changes, with many stakeholders conducting impact assessments and advocating for balanced enforcement that considers both economic realities and necessary regulatory improvements.