Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Red Force Divas fall to Barbados in T20 Blaze opener

    Red Force Divas fall to Barbados in T20 Blaze opener

    In a dramatic opening match of the 2026 Cricket West Indies T20 Blaze tournament, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force Divas suffered a narrow three-wicket defeat against Barbados at Arnos Vale Playing Field in St. Vincent on January 13. The low-scoring thriller culminated with Barbados reaching their target of 98 runs with nine deliveries remaining, despite a formidable bowling performance from TT’s spin attack.

    The TT women’s batting lineup struggled throughout their innings, managing just 97 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Veteran batter Britney Cooper provided stability with an unbeaten 33 runs from 36 deliveries, while captain Karishma Ramharack contributed 21 not out from 23 balls. Barbados opening bowler Naijanni Cumberbatch emerged as the bowling standout with impressive figures of 2/18.

    Barbados faced early pressure when TT leg-spinner Brianna Harricharan delivered a spectacular spell, claiming three wickets for just eight runs and reducing the Bajans to 68/6 by the 15th over. The match seemed poised for a TT victory until all-rounder Shamilia Connell displayed remarkable composure under pressure. Known primarily for her bowling, Connell smashed 16 not out from just ten deliveries, including the match-winning boundary off medium-pacer Amrita Ramtahal that sealed the victory.

    The tournament opener sets the stage for an competitive series, with TT scheduled to face Windwards in their second match on January 15. In other opening day results, Guyana secured a seven-run victory against Windwards in another low-scoring affair, while Leewards Islands claimed a nine-run win over Jamaica.

  • Take Carnival to Skinner Park

    Take Carnival to Skinner Park

    A passionate appeal has emerged from San Fernando advocating for the complete utilization of Skinner Park during Trinidad and Tobago’s upcoming Carnival 2026 celebrations. The proposal, articulated through a letter to the editor by community member AV Rampersad of Princes Town, highlights the venue’s significant potential as a premier Carnival destination.

    The communication emphasizes the park’s demonstrated capability to host major cultural events, specifically referencing its successful history as the venue for Calypso Fiesta—the prestigious semi-finals of the calypso monarch competition. The author vividly describes the distinctive ‘aura’ and unique atmosphere that permeates the park during such events, suggesting these qualities make it an ideal Carnival venue.

    Rampersad’s proposition centers on addressing the current underutilization of the facility, positioning it as both a practical and culturally significant solution for enhancing Carnival 2026 festivities. The argument maintains that maximizing Skinner Park’s capacity would not only optimize existing infrastructure but potentially elevate the overall quality of the national celebration.

    The correspondence concludes with well-wishes for a safe Carnival 2026 for all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, reinforcing the community-focused nature of the suggestion. This proposal comes as Trinidad and Tobago continues to strategically develop its world-renowned Carnival events while balancing tradition with infrastructure optimization.

  • Red Force women seal 16-run win over Windwards in T20 Blaze

    Red Force women seal 16-run win over Windwards in T20 Blaze

    In a remarkable display of spin bowling prowess, Trinidad and Tobago women’s cricket team secured their inaugural victory at the Cricket West Indies T20 Blaze tournament on January 15th. The match, held at Arnos Vale Playing Field in Kingstown, St Vincent, witnessed TT defend a modest total of 95/7 by bowling out Windward Islands for 79 with just three deliveries remaining.

    The victory was orchestrated primarily by the spin duo of veteran off-spinner Anita Mohammed and emerging talent Samara Ramnath. Mohammed, drawing from her extensive experience as former Red Force skipper, delivered a masterclass with figures of 3/10, while Ramnath complemented brilliantly with 3/12. Their combined effort dismantled Windwards’ batting lineup after they appeared comfortably positioned at 58/5 with eight overs remaining.

    TT’s batting performance initially seemed concerning as their top order collapsed dramatically, managing only 18 runs collectively from the first five batters. At a precarious 39/6 after 12 overs, the match seemed slipping away until Mohammed (29*) and Lee-Ann Kirby (28) staged a crucial 54-run partnership that ultimately proved match-winning. Kirby later contributed with the ball as well, claiming 2/8.

    In parallel tournament action, Barbados women continued their dominant run with a second consecutive victory, defeating Jamaica by six wickets. Chasing Jamaica’s 110/6, built on contributions from Abigail Bryce and Rashada Williams (both 33), Barbados reached 111/4 with three overs to spare thanks to openers Eboni Brathwaite (36) and Tristan Holder (23).

    The tournament resumes on January 17th with TT facing Leeward Islands, Barbados taking on Windwards, and Jamaica meeting Guyana.

  • EBC confirms TPP clean sweep, THA results unchanged after 2 recounts

    EBC confirms TPP clean sweep, THA results unchanged after 2 recounts

    The Tobago House of Assembly elections have culminated in an unprecedented political transformation as official recounts finalized the Tobago People’s Party’s complete domination of the legislative body. Following meticulous reviews in two contested districts—Darrel Spring/Whim and Scarborough/Mt. Grace—the Elections and Boundaries Commission verified the initial results, cementing the TPP’s extraordinary 15-0 victory over the People’s National Movement.

    In Darrel Spring/Whim, the electoral battle proved exceptionally tight with the TPP candidate securing 838 votes against PNM’s 826, a mere 12-vote margin that prompted the recount request. The Scarborough/Mt. Grace district demonstrated a more decisive outcome with TPP capturing 854 votes versus PNM’s 702. Both recounts, initiated by the PNM following the January 12 poll, concluded without altering the original outcomes.

    This electoral sweep represents a dramatic reversal from the previous assembly composition, eliminating the PNM’s sole representative, Kelvon Morris, who held the Darrel Spring/Whim seat. The comprehensive defeat has triggered significant political repercussions within the PNM, including Tobago council leader Ancil Dennis announcing his intention to resign from leadership.

    The TPP’s triumph continues the political trajectory established by its predecessor, the Progressive Democratic Patriots, which achieved a 14-1 victory in the 2021 THA election. Despite experiencing a 4.1% decrease in total votes (16,240 compared to PDP’s 16,933 in 2021), the TPP has consolidated its control over Tobago’s political landscape, building upon its successful capture of both Tobago West and Tobago East constituencies in the 2025 general election.

    Voter turnout reached a historic low at approximately 50.69% of the island’s 53,239 registered voters, reflecting diminished support for both major parties. The PNM witnessed a significant 12.4% decline in voter support compared to the 2021 elections.

    With the electoral process formally concluded, the THA is preparing for its inauguration ceremony scheduled for January 15. The assembly is expected to prioritize amendments to the THA Act that would expand governance structures, including increasing the number of Secretaries from seven to eleven and adjusting quorum requirements from nine to twelve members to accommodate the new political reality.

  • Four new Brechin Castle Golf champs crowned

    Four new Brechin Castle Golf champs crowned

    The 2026 Brechin Castle Golf Open culminated in a spectacle of dramatic reversals and fresh triumphs, with new champions emerging across all divisions at the Couva course from January 9-10. The tournament’s climax was defined by remarkable come-from-behind victories that captivated the local golfing community.

    In the men’s championship, Marcus Ling staged an impressive final-day surge to seize the title. Overtaking overnight leader Liam Bryden, Ling delivered a steady even-par round of 72 to finish with a championship total of 216 strokes across three days of competition. Bryden secured runner-up position with 219, while the battle for third required a countback decision that ultimately favored young contender Ross Ramkissoon over Alex Kangoo. Club veteran John Rampersad completed the top five with 224, simultaneously capturing the best net prize.

    The women’s championship witnessed a generational shift as teenage sensation Isabella Ramdeen dethroned defending champion Victoria Seenath. Ramdeen’s final-round 78 secured her a winning total of 242, narrowly surpassing Seenath’s 244. Former titleholder Jada Charles claimed third with 246, while promising newcomer Arianna Khan earned the ladies’ best net honor.

    First flight competition produced equal drama as 2025 Player of the Year Nandlal Ramlakhan leveraged his experience to overcome Asa Roopchand via countback after both contenders finished tied at 242. Brechin Castle Golf Club demonstrated domestic dominance by sweeping the flight’s top four positions, with Amir Ali (243) and Kevesh Ramnath (248) following closely.

    The second flight saw Riaz Ali mount a decisive charge to claim victory with 170, edging out teenage leader Kaiden Baynes (172). Kumar Boodram (176) and Navin Dookeran (177) rounded out the division’s top performers. Day two competition crowned Reid Sonnilal as third flight champion.

    Club officials celebrated the event as a resounding success that sets the stage for Trinidad and Tobago’s packed 2026 golf calendar, beginning with this inaugural major tournament that established new competitive benchmarks while showcasing emerging talent.

  • ASJA Girls’ Sando spike to three more wins in SSVL

    ASJA Girls’ Sando spike to three more wins in SSVL

    The Eastern Regional Indoor Sports Arena in Tacarigua witnessed exceptional volleyball prowess on January 13, 2026, as ASJA Girls’ College San Fernando’s under-15 squad delivered a stunning performance in the Secondary Schools Volleyball League (SSVL). The team achieved a remarkable triple victory, winning all matches in straight sets without conceding a single game.

    Demonstrating absolute dominance, ASJA’s under-15 players overwhelmed El Dorado West Secondary with a decisive 25-6, 25-6 triumph. They continued their commanding performance against St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain (SJCPoS) with a 25-6, 25-10 victory, and concluded their impressive run with a 25-13, 25-7 win over St Joseph’s Convent St Joseph.

    This outstanding achievement followed equally impressive results from ASJA’s under-17 team, which secured two victories during the tournament’s opening day on January 12, establishing the school as an early powerhouse in both age divisions.

    In other matches, St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain displayed remarkable resilience after dropping the first set 18-25 against their sister school St Joseph’s Convent St Joseph. The SJCPoS team mounted a strong comeback, taking the subsequent sets 25-15 and 15-4 to claim a 2-1 match victory. SJCPoS later earned a straight-sets win against El Dorado West Secondary (25-16, 25-20), though El Dorado put up a spirited resistance throughout the contest.

    El Dorado West Secondary concluded the competition day without any victories, suffering an additional defeat against St Joseph’s Convent St Joseph (25-14, 25-12), which secured their sole win during the intensely competitive tournament.

    The current SSVL season follows International School of Port of Spain’s capture of the girls’ under-15 championship title in the previous year, setting the stage for an exciting competitive season ahead.

  • Ramsamooj: Farley gets ‘strongest hand’ to push autonomy

    Ramsamooj: Farley gets ‘strongest hand’ to push autonomy

    Political strategist Derek Ramsamooj asserts that the Tobago People’s Party’s unprecedented 15-0 electoral triumph in the January 12 Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections has positioned party leader Farley Augustine with unprecedented leverage to negotiate enhanced self-governance for the island territory. This landslide victory, which marks the first time any party has secured every assembly seat, fundamentally reshapes Tobago’s political landscape and its relationship with Trinidad’s central government.

    Ramsamooj emphasizes that Chief Secretary Augustine now commands the strongest electoral mandate in Tobago’s recent history, providing him with substantial negotiating capital when engaging with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s administration. The analyst anticipates extensive political cooperation between the THA and central government, potentially including negotiations for increased budgetary allocations to Tobago by one to two percentage points over the coming four-year term.

    The election results have simultaneously diminished the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) political standing nationally, with Ramsamooj characterizing the party as having ‘devolved into a minority political party.’ The PNM’s loss of its sole Darrel Spring/Whim constituency, previously secured in the 2021 elections, compounds what the analyst describes as a continuing erosion of the party’s national appeal under current leader Pennelope Beckles.

    While no formal coalition exists between the United National Congress (UNC) and TPP, Augustine’s two parliamentary representatives currently sit alongside UNC backbenchers in a section of Parliament traditionally reserved for government members. This seating arrangement signals potential alignment on various legislative matters despite the absence of official partnership agreements.

  • Election results unchanged after 2 recounts

    Election results unchanged after 2 recounts

    TOBAGO – The Tobago House of Assembly elections have concluded with definitive results after two electoral recounts failed to alter the outcome of the January 12 vote. The Progressive Democratic Patriots (TPP) achieved a sweeping victory, securing all 15 electoral districts in a historic political shift.

    The People’s National Movement (PNM), the previously dominant political force, formally requested recounts in two critical electoral districts: Darrel Spring/Whim and Scarborough/Mt Grace. These recounts were conducted on January 13 under the supervision of the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC).

    In an official statement released on January 14, the EBC confirmed that the recount process had been completed and the original results remained unchanged. The final tallies revealed:

    In Darrel Spring/Whim, TPP candidate Ayanna Webster-Roy secured 838 votes against PNM’s 826 votes, with 14 votes going to the Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA) and 3 rejected ballots.

    In Scarborough/Mt Grace, TPP representative successfully obtained 854 votes compared to PNM’s 702 votes, with 14 votes for IDA and 6 ballots rejected.

    The election outcome represents a significant political transformation in Tobago’s governance, marking the first time the TPP has achieved such a comprehensive victory. Political analysts suggest this result indicates shifting voter preferences and potentially signals a new era in Tobago’s political landscape.

    The confirmation of results through the recount process demonstrates the integrity of Tobago’s electoral system and the acceptance of democratic outcomes by all participating parties.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Wednesday January 14th 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Wednesday January 14th 2026

    The global dietary supplement market, valued in the hundreds of billions, is confronting intensified examination from both scientific communities and regulatory bodies. A recent surge in analytical reporting has brought to light persistent concerns regarding the verifiable efficacy, manufacturing standards, and marketing claims prevalent within the industry.

    Unlike pharmaceutical products, which undergo rigorous pre-market testing for safety and effectiveness, supplements often enter the consumer marketplace with significantly less oversight. This regulatory gap, primarily stemming from legislation like the U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, places the burden of proof on agencies to demonstrate a product is unsafe after it is already available to the public.

    Key areas of concern highlighted by experts include frequent ingredient mislabeling, contamination with undeclared substances, and potent bioactive compounds being sold without adequate dosage studies. Furthermore, marketing language often utilizes carefully crafted ‘structure/function’ claims that suggest health benefits which may not be substantiated by robust clinical evidence, potentially misleading consumers.

    The implications for public health are significant. Consumers may inadvertently choose supplements over proven medical treatments, experience adverse reactions, or incur substantial financial cost for products with negligible benefit. Health advocates are increasingly calling for more stringent mandatory testing, transparent labeling requirements, and greater authority for regulatory agencies to remove questionable products from shelves proactively.

    This ongoing scrutiny underscores a critical dialogue about the balance between consumer access, industry innovation, and the imperative to ensure product safety and truthfulness in the expansive wellness market.

  • Government to expand crime-fighting powers when Parliament resumes

    Government to expand crime-fighting powers when Parliament resumes

    The Trinidad and Tobago government is moving forward with comprehensive legislative measures designed to combat violent crime while demonstrating responsiveness to public concerns regarding traffic enforcement. Attorney General John Jeremie outlined the administration’s priorities during a United National Congress (UNC) media briefing on January 14, detailing three significant pieces of legislation scheduled for parliamentary consideration in the coming weeks.

    The centerpiece of the government’s security agenda is the Special Zones of Operations Bill, a targeted approach to addressing crime hotspots without implementing nationwide emergency powers. This legislation emerges from lessons learned during previous states of emergency, particularly the successful disruption of communication channels between incarcerated gang leaders and their external networks. Attorney General Jeremie emphasized that these previous interventions produced measurable results, citing substantial reductions in homicides, shootings, and other violent crimes. The proposed framework would establish clearly defined procedures, judicial oversight mechanisms, and time limitations to ensure proportional responses to security threats.

    Concurrently, the government is proposing amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act following significant public feedback regarding recently increased fines and penalties. Jeremie acknowledged the administration had ‘listened to the voices raised in the national community’ and now plans to implement a system of mandatory warnings for certain traffic infractions. This recalibration maintains the government’s commitment to road safety while incorporating what Jeremie characterized as ‘the level of humanity this government is known for.’

    Additionally, lawmakers will consider adjustments to the Tobago House of Assembly Act in response to the Tobago People’s Party’s recent electoral victory. The proposed amendment would expand the number of secretaries and increase quorum requirements for conducting official Assembly business. Jeremie described this legislation as concise and anticipated bipartisan support for its passage.