Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Pro men’s football returns to Grande

    Pro men’s football returns to Grande

    The Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) marks a significant milestone in national sports infrastructure with the return of professional football to Sangre Grande’s revitalized Sporting Complex. After extensive renovations completed in September 2025 through a collaborative effort between the Sport Company of TT and the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, the venue will host a Boxing Day double-header that signals renewed investment in regional athletic facilities.

    Scheduled for December 26th, the event will feature Eagles FC versus San Juan Jabloteh at 5 pm, followed by a clash between Police FC and Prison Service at 7 pm. This strategic scheduling leverages the traditional Boxing Day sporting culture while reintroducing top-tier football to a community with deep historical connections to the sport.

    The Sangre Grande complex represents a multifaceted sports facility featuring both outdoor playing fields and two indoor courts capable of accommodating basketball, netball, and volleyball competitions. Its reopening addresses a longstanding gap in East Trinidad’s professional sports infrastructure, providing the TTPFL with a third major venue alongside the La Horquetta Recreation Ground and Arima Velodrome.

    This development holds particular significance as Sangre Grande previously served as home to the now-defunct North East Stars club. League organizers are optimistic about local engagement, given the community’s demonstrated support through regional competitions like the Sweet Sixteen Football League and Fishing Pond League. The return of professional matches not only revitalizes local sports economy but also honors the region’s legacy as a football stronghold.

  • Rum price hike sends Ponche a Creme, black cake prices soaring

    Rum price hike sends Ponche a Creme, black cake prices soaring

    A significant increase in alcohol duties has cast a shadow over Trinidad and Tobago’s holiday season, severely impacting the production and pricing of traditional Christmas delicacies. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s October announcement of a 100% customs duty hike on rum and spirits has created ripple effects throughout the beverage and culinary industries.

    The controversial tax policy has particularly affected two beloved seasonal specialties: black cake and ponche a creme. These alcohol-dependent treats have become substantially more expensive to produce, forcing artisans and small businesses to make difficult decisions. Dawn Ramkissoon-Ali, proprietor of Aurora Fine Delights, exemplifies this trend, choosing to completely withdraw ponche a creme from her seasonal offerings rather than impose dramatically higher prices on customers.

    Industry-wide adaptation strategies have emerged in response to the economic pressure. Some enterprises, like Cake Zone operated by Amrika Singh, implemented moderate price increases while leveraging temporary price reductions from Angostura Holdings Limited. Others employed creative workarounds—Kathy Collins of Copa de Leche resorted to alternative rum brands, while Shirley Roban utilized pre-tax alcohol purchases through advanced fruit soaking.

    The cost escalation extends beyond alcohol inputs. Producers report concurrent price increases in essential ingredients including dairy products, eggs, and even packaging materials. Olatunde Celestin of Tunde’s Treats noted that condensed milk prices have risen approximately 38% over five years, compounding the financial challenges.

    Despite these economic headwinds, consumer loyalty has remained remarkably resilient. Established customer bases have demonstrated understanding and continued support, prioritizing quality and tradition over moderate price increases. This consumer dedication has provided crucial stability for small businesses navigating the challenging economic landscape while maintaining Trinidad’s cherished Christmas culinary traditions.

  • Archbishop Gordon: Trinidad and Tobago will see the light

    Archbishop Gordon: Trinidad and Tobago will see the light

    In a nation grappling with profound economic distress and geopolitical uncertainty, Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon delivered a powerful Christmas message of hope during Mass at Sacred Heart RC Church in Port of Spain. The spiritual leader acknowledged the unprecedented challenges facing Trinidad and Tobago this holiday season, citing widespread food insecurity and national anxiety as defining features of this traditionally joyous period.

    Economic realities have cast a long shadow over celebrations, with parliamentary representatives reporting thousands of desperate requests for food hampers and assistance cards from constituents across eastern Trinidad regions including Arima, Sangre Grande, and Tunapuna. Charitable organizations faced overwhelming demand, with the Salvation Army distributing approximately 1,000 hampers in mid-December while acknowledging their capacity fell far short of actual need.

    Compounding these domestic concerns, Archbishop Gordon addressed the geopolitical tensions reshaping Trinidad’s regional position. Recent months have witnessed significant US military engagement in the southern Caribbean, including the October arrival of the USS Gravely destroyer, November visits by Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine, military drills with US Marines, and the installation of advanced radar systems in Tobago. These developments have placed the nation at the center of international media attention, with Gordon noting the unusual experience of seeing Trinidad featured prominently on global news networks.

    The Archbishop referenced Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s November statement supporting US military action against narco traffickers, which alongside the reported elimination of over 100 alleged traffickers off Venezuela’s coast, has positioned Trinidad among Caribbean nations backing US military initiatives. This new reality has generated genuine fear among citizens accustomed to observing international conflicts from a distance.

    Despite acknowledging the isolation affecting both youth and elderly populations, Gordon maintained an unwavering message of hope, drawing from biblical teachings about light overcoming darkness. He encouraged those experiencing joy to cherish it, while offering comfort to those feeling anxious or afraid by emphasizing the transformative power of hope in challenging times.

  • Christmas joy in south, SWRHA welcomes holiday babies

    Christmas joy in south, SWRHA welcomes holiday babies

    The festive spirit reached new heights at Trinidad’s healthcare facilities as Christmas morning witnessed the arrival of several special newborns, bringing joy and celebration to hospital corridors. The San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH) became the setting for a remarkable double delivery event that captured the hearts of staff and families alike.

    According to announcements made by the South-West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) through their official social media channels, the maternity ward at SFGH welcomed two healthy infant girls within a remarkably short fifteen-minute interval. The first Christmas delivery occurred at 3:45 AM when Kimberly Singh and Azruddin Waseem Ali became parents to a beautiful baby girl. The emotional moment was captured in photographs showing the beaming parents cradling their newborn daughter.

    Hospital staff marked the occasion with ceremonial gestures of celebration. Nurse Hazel Ann Mills, alongside Patient Care Coordinator Sandra Ramkisson-Bholai, presented the delighted couple with commemorative gifts representing the institution’s recognition of this special Christmas birth.

    The celebration continued unabated as the maternity unit prepared for another imminent arrival. At precisely 4:00 AM, Yalizmar Moreno Mata delivered her daughter, completing the hospital’s remarkable Christmas morning double delivery. The newborn, comfortably swaddled in pink attire, became the focal point of another round of celebratory photographs and gift presentations by the medical staff.

    Meanwhile, in the eastern region of Trinidad, the Sangre Grande Hospital Campus celebrated its own Christmas delivery milestone. Omella Gill gave birth to a five-pound baby boy, earning recognition as the first Christmas newborn in the eastern medical facility. The significance of the occasion prompted a personal visit from Eastern Regional Health Authority CEO Angelina Rampersad-Pierre and Deputy Chairman Dr. Stephan Bhagan, who presented the new mother with an extensive gift hamper containing toys, baby care products, and personal hygiene items. The delivery was successfully performed by Midwife Marella Mark, adding another successful birth to the hospital’s Christmas record.

  • Crowds flock to Macoya for FireOne’s Boxing Day two-for-one sale

    Crowds flock to Macoya for FireOne’s Boxing Day two-for-one sale

    Hundreds of Trinidadians flocked to the FireOne Fireworks warehouse in Macoya on December 26, creating lengthy queues that wrapped around the facility during the annual Boxing Day two-for-one sale. The event attracted a diverse cross-section of society, from elderly patrons to young children and infants, with families, friend groups, and individual shoppers all seeking to stock up for New Year’s celebrations.

    The tradition, now in its 15th year, has become an institutionalized part of the holiday season according to FireOne Fireworks co-founder Andre Abraham. He emphasized that the sale serves a dual purpose: providing genuine value to customers while promoting safer alternatives to informal explosive practices like bamboo bursting or carbide explosions.

    Despite the festive atmosphere, conversations with shoppers revealed complex perspectives on newly implemented fireworks regulations. Many customers expressed understanding of the need for restrictions while simultaneously voicing concerns about limitations on their celebrations. Mark Williams of Wallerfield, who spends approximately $5,000-$6,000 annually for his village’s display, suggested creating safe spaces for animals rather than solely restricting usage times.

    The regulatory debate took practical dimensions as one La Horquetta woman revealed she had spent $12,000 on fireworks for resale despite years of unsuccessful attempts to obtain a formal license. Her experience highlighted administrative challenges within the new regulatory framework.

    Consumer spending patterns varied significantly, with reported expenditures ranging from $200-$300 for individual users to thousands of dollars for community organizers. Multiple pet owners described implementing mitigation strategies such as soundproof rooms or secure spaces for animals during fireworks displays.

    Abraham endorsed the new legislation, noting it aligns with FireOne’s three-decade advocacy for responsible, time-limited usage. He specifically recommended limiting fireworks displays to 30 minutes at midnight on New Year’s Eve, framing this as an exercise in community respect and kindness.

  • Police get 12 vehicles for Christmas

    Police get 12 vehicles for Christmas

    The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has significantly enhanced its operational capacity with the acquisition of 12 fully restored police vehicles, marking the culmination of a rapid fleet rehabilitation initiative that has delivered 52 vehicles within a mere three-week timeframe.

    This strategic infrastructure enhancement occurred on December 24 through collaboration between government ministries and the Vehicle Management Corporation (VMCOTT). The ceremony represented the fulfillment of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s directive to strengthen law enforcement capabilities, particularly ahead of the Christmas season when security demands typically escalate.

    Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander publicly commended VMCOTT and associated stakeholders for their exceptional expediency in returning previously decommissioned vehicles to active duty. “These vehicles, some of which had been out of service for several months to a couple of years, have now been returned to full operational readiness,” confirmed an official TTPS release.

    The government statement emphasized its unwavering commitment to national security, declaring: “The government reaffirms its commitment to equipping the police with practical and reliable resources to strengthen national security and enhance public safety. Promise made, promise kept.”

    The handover ceremony attracted high-ranking officials including Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Eli Zakour, Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin, VMCOTT chairman Amrall Mohammed, acting CEO Brian Aliendre, alongside additional board members and corporate executives from the state-owned vehicle management entity.

    This development follows a previous vehicle transfer ceremony held on December 12 at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s, which was personally attended by Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, underscoring the administration’s prioritization of law enforcement infrastructure modernization.

  • Seecheran: Regulated framework for traditional medicine

    Seecheran: Regulated framework for traditional medicine

    Trinidad and Tobago has announced a strategic initiative to formally incorporate traditional medicine practices into its national public health framework. The declaration came from Dr. Rishad Seecheran, Minister in the Ministry of Health, during his address at the second World Health Organization Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi.

    Dr. Seecheran emphasized that global health systems face increasing pressure to develop greater resilience, cultural responsiveness, and equity. He positioned traditional medicine not as an alternative approach but as a valuable complementary component that could enhance universal health coverage objectives. The minister characterized traditional medicine as representing ‘centuries of accumulated knowledge, practices and beliefs deeply rooted in culture and community life.’

    The government’s approach acknowledges the existing reality that many citizens already combine traditional remedies with conventional Western treatments. Rather than disregarding this practice, policymakers are developing standardized regulations for traditional medicine products, practices, and practitioners. This regulatory framework will prioritize safety protocols and quality control measures.

    Supporting this integration will be increased investment in scientific research to validate traditional approaches. Trinidad and Tobago also plans to collaborate with international agencies to build specialized human resource capacity and identify integration models tailored to local requirements. Dr. Seecheran commended the WHO’s Traditional Medicine Strategy for providing guidance on evidence-based policy development in this field.

  • Young: Be your brother, sister’s keeper

    Young: Be your brother, sister’s keeper

    In a heartfelt Christmas Eve address, former Prime Minister and Energy Minister Stuart Young called upon citizens of Trinidad and Tobago to embrace communal responsibility during what he described as \”unprecedented times\” for the nation. The Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP expressed profound concern about the country’s current trajectory under the new administration.\n\nYoung specifically highlighted the plight of tens of thousands of citizens who have faced job losses following the United National Congress (UNC) party’s victory in the April 28 general election. The political transition resulted in the termination of several major employment programs including Cepep, the Unemployment Relief Programme (URP), and the National Reafforestation Programme, creating widespread economic hardship.\n\n\”We are in some unprecedented times which will require those of us who want what is best for our country’s future to remain alert and to be prepared to speak out in defence of what is right and against what is wrong,\” Young stated in his social media message. He acknowledged that such advocacy might present challenges but emphasized its necessity for the nation’s wellbeing.\n\nThe former minister characterized the current government’s decisions regarding employment programs as \”callous and heartless,\\” creating particularly difficult circumstances for affected families during the holiday season. He urged those with means to provide assistance to their fellow citizens, invoking the principle of being \”our brothers and sisters’ keepers\” as a fundamental value during this period of national transition.\n\nYoung concluded his message by expressing gratitude to those who had offered support and encouragement throughout the year, striking a note of appreciation amid his critical assessment of the country’s political direction.

  • TTCB secures new youth sponsorships for 2026 push

    TTCB secures new youth sponsorships for 2026 push

    The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) has successfully secured renewed sponsorship for its youth development programs heading into 2026, marking a significant recovery from the complete loss of youth tournament funding experienced in 2024. This announcement was made by TTCB President Azim Bassarath during the board’s annual end-of-year luncheon at the National Cricket Centre in Couva on December 17.

    The sponsorship package will comprehensively cover the Under-13 and Under-15 inter-zone tournaments, North/South Classics, along with four-team competitions at both Under-17 and Under-19 levels. Bassarath characterized this development as a strong vote of confidence in the organization’s restructured governance and enhanced focus on grassroots cricket development.

    This financial backing arrives as the TTCB intensifies its youth cricket initiatives following a challenging period in early 2024. The previous sponsorship withdrawal stemmed from administrative disputes involving former treasurer Kiswah Chaitoo and a police investigation into financial mismanagement by another ex-employee. Despite these setbacks, the board successfully completed all inter-zone tournaments throughout 2025, culminating in Trinidad and Tobago’s championship victory in the West Indies Rising Stars Under-17 50-over tournament hosted domestically.

    Notable among 2025’s achievements was the innovative Under-23 Cup, which strategically featured an Under-19 team competing against older opponents to accelerate player development through exposure to advanced physical, mental, and tactical challenges. The board also completed level one coaching certification programs across most zones, with plans to extend coverage to remaining areas.

    The 2026 competition calendar will commence with the Under-15 inter-zone tournament on January 28, followed by Under-19 competitions starting February 20. The Under-17 tournament begins April 1, with Under-13 matches commencing April 23. Significantly, the TTCB has committed to maintaining its local Under-17 tournament despite the absence of regional competition at this level, emphasizing the importance of continuous development for this age group.

    Beyond competitive events, the TTCB will collaborate with SporTT to conduct club development seminars nationwide, focusing on governance, administration, and organizational sustainability. Additionally, a coaching caravan will visit underserved communities including Toco, Blanchisseuse, Mayaro and Point Fortin, targeting both male and female players under 20 years old.

    TTCB General Secretary Henry Chase affirmed that the sponsorship return indicates restored confidence in the board’s leadership after what he described as a ‘turbulent 2025’ period.

  • SoE and US/Venezuela tensions hit tourist arrivals in Tobago

    SoE and US/Venezuela tensions hit tourist arrivals in Tobago

    The picturesque shores of Tobago’s Charlotteville waterfront remained unusually tranquil during the peak Christmas season, presenting a stark contrast to the typical holiday bustle. With minimal local activity and a conspicuous absence of international visitors, the scene encapsulated the severe challenges facing Tobago’s hospitality sector.

    Tourism industry leaders have identified dual catalysts for this pronounced downturn: escalating military tensions between the United States and Venezuela, coupled with the ongoing state of emergency declaration. Reginald MacLean, President of the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association, confirmed substantial declines in both advance bookings and actual tourist arrivals during what should be the island’s most profitable period.

    MacLean, who simultaneously serves as general manager of Blue Waters Inn in Speyside, provided concrete metrics illustrating the sector’s struggles. His establishment operated at approximately 70% capacity during the critical holiday period—a significant reduction from the complete occupancy achieved during the same timeframe in 2024.

    Industry-wide assessments confirm this pattern extends across the island. Alpha Lorde, former association president and current general manager of Mt Irvine Bay Hotel, characterized both the 2024 and 2025 Christmas seasons as ‘fairly dismal’ with no hospitality operators reporting strong performance.

    Transportation infrastructure limitations have exacerbated the situation. MacLean emphasized that constrained flight availability and reduced ferry services have created fundamental capacity constraints preventing hotel occupancy recovery.

    Industry executives have expressed frustration with governmental support levels. Despite official rhetoric about economic diversification beyond hydrocarbon dependence, tourism stakeholders perceive insufficient concrete action. Multiple attempts by Newsday to obtain comments from Chief Secretary Farley Augustine and Tourism Secretary Tashia Burris yielded no response.

    The industry’s challenges accumulated throughout 2025, beginning with an initial state of emergency, progressing through electoral transitions and governmental changes, and culminating with renewed emergency declarations and geopolitical complications. Tourism professionals maintain cautious optimism that 2026 may bring improved circumstances and renewed visitor interest to Tobago’s hospitality sector.