Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Home-based businesses bring new twist to Xmas favourite: Ponche de Ganja

    Home-based businesses bring new twist to Xmas favourite: Ponche de Ganja

    In an innovative twist on Trinidad’s holiday traditions, home-based entrepreneurs are transforming classic Christmas beverages into cannabis-infused medicinal products, creating an unexpected but lucrative market. While cannabis remains largely illegal for sale and public consumption in Trinidad and Tobago, artisans are leveraging social media to build demand for therapeutic-infused versions of ponche de creme and sorrel—traditional holiday drinks typically enjoyed during the festive season.

    The movement gained momentum during the pandemic when hospitality workers facing unemployment sought alternative income sources. Tron, founder of Rum and Resin, launched his operation with a team of retrenched workers, while Blue established Bloom Delights—both operating anonymously due to legal constraints. Their businesses have evolved from side hustles into full-time ventures, responding to growing consumer demand for diverse cannabis delivery methods beyond conventional edibles.

    These entrepreneurs emphasize the medicinal rather than recreational applications of their products. Their offerings include cannabis-infused teas for sleep and immunity support, as well as formulations using marijuana roots to address asthma and gout. Customer bases consist primarily of professionals and parents seeking relief from anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions. One notable case involves a woman using cannabis products to supplement treatment for hormonal thyroid issues when conventional medications proved unavailable locally.

    Global shifts in cannabis perception are influencing local attitudes. The recent reclassification of marijuana under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act from Schedule I to Schedule III—recognizing its medical applications—has created ripple effects in Trinidad’s underground market. This scientific validation coincides with findings from the FDA supporting cannabis use for treating anorexia and chronic pain.

    Despite growing acceptance, legal barriers persist. The Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act of 2019 decriminalized possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis but maintained prohibitions on sales and public consumption. This legal limbo forces artisans to operate in a gray market, limiting production scales and creating quality control challenges. Some unscrupulous vendors reportedly use imported marijuana or synthetic additives that compromise therapeutic properties and consumer safety.

    Political change may be imminent. The United National Congress party has pledged to develop a regulated cannabis industry for medical and export purposes if elected, projecting a global market worth over $100 billion by 2030. Their proposal includes support for small farmers, quality control systems, and age restrictions prohibiting use under 25.

    For now, entrepreneurs like Tron and Blue navigate significant legal risks while advocating for reform. As Blue notes, ‘Most people in this industry understand the medicinal benefits—it’s about making money while giving back to society. What we need is a proper framework to prevent abuse.’ Their success demonstrates both the economic potential and therapeutic value of a properly regulated cannabis industry in Trinidad and Tobago.

  • Wallace 23rd on world sprint rankings after debut senior year

    Wallace 23rd on world sprint rankings after debut senior year

    In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, Trinidad and Tobago’s emerging cycling star Makaira Wallace has ascended to 23rd position in the prestigious International Cycling Union (UCI) women’s sprint rankings after merely one year competing at the senior level. Her extraordinary debut season has positioned her as the Caribbean nation’s most promising track cycling talent.

    Wallace’s transition from junior to elite competition in early 2025 immediately yielded historic results. During March’s UCI Nations Cup in Turkey, the prodigious cyclist established a new national record by completing the flying 200m event in an impressive 10.784 seconds. This performance signaled the beginning of an exceptional competitive year that would see her dominate both regional and international events.

    The young athlete demonstrated remarkable versatility by capturing three bronze medals at August’s Junior Pan American Games while maintaining eligibility for junior competition. Wallace collaborated with teammates Kyra Williams and Phoebe Sandy to secure third place in the team sprint before individually earning bronze in both sprint and keirin disciplines.

    Her consistent excellence throughout 2025 culminated in a groundbreaking qualification for the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Santiago, Chile, making Wallace the first female sprinter from Trinidad and Tobago to achieve this distinction. Although eliminated in the 1/16 final by eventual gold medalist Mina Sato of Japan, Wallace established another national record by completing the 500m time trial in 1:09.822 seconds.

    The cycling prodigy concluded her spectacular year with additional podium finishes at November/December’s Bolivarian Games in Lima, Peru, securing silver in sprint and bronze in keirin events. Earlier domestic success had already seen her claim the national women’s U23/elite keirin championship title.

    With her sights now firmly set on Olympic glory, Wallace has begun preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where she aims to represent Trinidad and Tobago on cycling’s grandest stage.

  • Major Lazer, Bunji Garlin and America Foster team up for Goat

    Major Lazer, Bunji Garlin and America Foster team up for Goat

    Electronic music powerhouse Major Lazer has unveiled a vibrant Caribbean collaboration with Trinidadian soca icon Bunji Garlin and UK-Jamaican vocalist America Foster. Their new single “Goat” represents a significant cultural fusion, blending explosive bouyon rhythms with electronic dance music elements.

    The track serves as a standout feature on Major Lazer’s recently released nine-track album “Gyalgebra,” marking the collective’s first comprehensive project in five years. This release signifies a strategic return to their roots in Caribbean music exploration.

    Musically, “Goat” presents an innovative synthesis of power soca’s rapid tempo, bouyon’s intricate drum patterns, and expansive EDM synth elements. The production incorporates the distinctive bouyon sound—a high-energy genre originating from Dominica that combines traditional folk elements with contemporary digital beats. This musical style has gained substantial regional traction, with artists like Machel Montano, Skillibeng, and Mr Killa previously experimenting with the format.

    The accompanying “Goat (Bouyon Mixes)” EP, available through Diplo’s Mad Decent label, features reinterpretations by Trinidadian production team Precision Productions and Dominican producer Dadamanufakture. These remixes emphasize the bouyon elements even more prominently, highlighting the genre’s syncopated rhythms that have emerged from the Windward Islands to become a dominant force in contemporary Caribbean music.

    Early reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with Barbadian DJ Puffy’s livestream preview generating significant demand from fellow DJs across the region. The single is anticipated to become a carnival season staple, with its anthemic chorus and infectious energy designed for maximum dancefloor impact.

    This release continues Major Lazer’s legacy of Caribbean collaborations, following their 2013 remix of Bunji Garlin’s “Differentology.” The “Gyalgebra” project overall showcases emerging Caribbean sounds including Trinidad’s zess music and Martinique’s shatta dancehall, positioning America Foster as a compelling new voice in the electronic and Caribbean music fusion scene.

  • Promenade Chess Club hosts final tournament for 2025

    Promenade Chess Club hosts final tournament for 2025

    The Promenade Chess Club is preparing to conclude its competitive season with a prestigious Grand Tour finale at Valpark Plaza in Valsayn on December 28. This culminating event will feature multiple competitive divisions with significant financial incentives and recognition awards for top performers.

    In the open category, players will compete for substantial monetary rewards, including a $1,200 top prize for the champion, $800 for the runner-up, and $500 for third place. The tournament will also recognize exceptional talent within the Promenade Chess Club itself, awarding $300 to the club’s top performer, $400 to the best junior member, and $300 to the leading women’s competitor.

    Youth participants will receive special recognition through trophies and medals. The Under-12 division will award trophies to the top three finishers, while the Under-8 category will distribute medals to its leading contenders. Additionally, the first 100 registered participants will receive complimentary pizza and ice cream.

    Registration fees are set at $120 for senior players and $110 for junior competitors. Participants can process payments through organizer Hayden Lee’s chequing account (340045180501) or obtain additional information via email at haydenlee21@yahoo.com or telephone at 780-2437.

    The tournament enjoys support from several corporate sponsors including Radica Trading, Basic Transport, Marios, Galactica, KFC, and TYCO Farms, ensuring a well-supported and professionally organized competitive event.

  • Digital skills for 2026 side hustle

    Digital skills for 2026 side hustle

    As the Christmas season reaches its peak, countless individuals share a common reflection: the desire for financial transformation by next year’s holidays. The path to altering one’s income trajectory in 2026 requires neither academic重返 nor technical mastery, but rather the acquisition of marketable digital capabilities that can be cultivated within weeks and converted into viable side ventures generating foreign exchange earnings.

    The contemporary digital landscape, powered by artificial intelligence and no-code platforms, has dramatically lowered entry barriers while simultaneously intensifying market competition. Success now hinges on delivering concrete outcomes rather than offering generic services. Here are the most practical digital skills to develop during the holiday respite and monetize in the coming year:

    1. Short-Form Video Editing & Content Repurposing: With short-form video dominating digital attention, businesses urgently need specialists who can transform long-form content into engaging platform-specific clips. This high-demand skill focuses on identifying pivotal moments, adding captions, and adapting content across formats without requiring on-camera presence or expensive software.

    2. Authentic UGC Creation for Brands: User-generated content creation has evolved beyond influencer marketing. Brands now seek genuine, creator-style videos demonstrating products organically. This accessible skill requires only a smartphone, natural lighting, and storytelling proficiency, making it one of the fastest routes to initial online earnings.

    3. No-Code Website Development: Despite social media’s dominance, businesses still require functional websites and conversion-optimized landing pages. Mastering platforms like WordPress or Shopify to create clean, effective layouts provides substantial value through rapid execution rather than technical complexity.

    4. AI-Assisted Website Construction: Artificial intelligence has accelerated website development, yet most business owners lack proficiency with these tools. Expertise in AI website generators like Loveable or Bolt AI represents a valuable service niche where clients prioritize results over technical methods.

    5. Marketing Automation Configuration: Numerous businesses continue performing repetitive tasks manually. Proficiency with automation tools like Zapier, Mailchimp, or Calendly allows specialists to reclaim operational time for clients—a service that demonstrates immediate, tangible value.

    6. AI Content Refinement: While AI generates content rapidly, most outputs require human refinement. Editing AI drafts for tone, accuracy, and brand alignment addresses the growing need for publish-ready content rather than mere volume.

    7. Freelance Service Packaging: Many skilled professionals struggle with freelancing due to inadequate service positioning. Mastering the art of structuring compelling profiles and outcome-oriented service packages creates significant competitive advantage.

    8. Social Media Optimization: Numerous businesses maintain incomplete or inefficient social media presences. Optimizing bios, content structures, and highlights delivers disproportionate value through minimal effort while establishing relationships for larger projects.

    9. Email Marketing Infrastructure: As one of digital marketing’s highest-ROI channels, email remains underutilized. Skills in platform setup, list building, and sequence creation provide consistently relevant value regardless of industry trends.

    10. Digital Research Expertise: For analytically inclined individuals, providing competitor analysis, keyword research, and market insights offers substantial value in business decision-making, combining AI efficiency with human interpretation.

    The fundamental objective extends beyond quick profits. Developing these skills creates financial leverage, generates optional income streams, reduces single-income dependency, and enables global earning potential. The Christmas break offers ideal conditions for skill acquisition, while the new year provides momentum for monetization. Consistent effort promises a dramatically different financial reality by next December.

  • Ty Humphrey lands chess gold for Trinidad and Tobago at CAC Youth Festival

    Ty Humphrey lands chess gold for Trinidad and Tobago at CAC Youth Festival

    Trinidad and Tobago’s chess prodigy Ty Humphrey emerged as the undisputed champion in the Under-10 Absolute category at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Youth Chess Festival held in Puerto Rico from December 15-20. The young master achieved a perfect unbeaten record throughout the tournament, conceding only a single draw against Jamaica’s Rajvir Shergil during his dominant performance.

    Humphrey’s gold medal accomplishment builds upon his previous success at last year’s Youth Chess Festival in El Salvador where he secured a silver medal. His victory established a strong foundation for Trinidad and Tobago’s 19-member delegation that competed across multiple age categories from under-8 to under-18.

    The tournament featured intense competition with over 200 participants representing 22 national federations. St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Shetty Vedant captured second position in the Under-10 Absolute category, while Panama’s Jarrin Zhang Dominick Young Hen completed the podium in third place.

    Trinidad and Tobago’s contingent demonstrated considerable depth across various competitions. Catherine Ali delivered an impressive performance in the girls’ under-10 category, finishing fourth on tie-breaks with four victories and four draws. In the Under-16 Absolute category, Candidate Master Kael Samuel Bisnath secured seventh position with 5.5 points.

    The Blitz Chess Championship on December 19 saw additional strong showings from the Trinidad and Tobago team. Ilyas Hosein claimed bronze in the Under-8 Absolute category, while multiple athletes including Humphrey, Ali, and Naomi Clement achieved fourth-place finishes in their respective divisions.

    The Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association (TTCA) provided comprehensive support through coaching staff including Fide Master Joshua Johnson and Candidate Master Dev Soondarsingh. TTCA president Sandy Razark contributed to the event’s organizing committee, while third vice president Sadiqah Razark—recently elevated as Trinidad and Tobago’s sole female arbiter—served on the arbiter team.

    The TTCA officially congratulated all players, coaches, and parents for their commendable international performance and acknowledged sponsor C3 Centre for continued support in developing youth chess programs.

  • DCP Benjamin: 29 students on ‘naughty list’

    DCP Benjamin: 29 students on ‘naughty list’

    In a comprehensive effort to address school violence, Trinidad and Tobago’s police schools initiative has resulted in the arrest of 29 students across multiple educational institutions during the recent academic term. The program, launched in September following government directives, deployed 95 specially trained officers to 50 identified at-risk schools nationwide.

    Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin disclosed to Newsday on December 24 that the arrests encompassed serious offenses including weapon possession, marijuana trafficking, assault with weapons, and robbery incidents. “The TTPS isn’t adopting a punitive approach but rather demonstrating support through dialogue and intervention,” Benjamin emphasized, noting that all cases were referred to courts for appropriate remedial measures.

    The initiative emerged in response to escalating violence in educational institutions, prompting Prime Minister Keith Rowley’s July announcement of targeted police deployment. Officers underwent specialized training in school-oriented policing and peer counseling techniques before the program’s September 8 commencement.

    Notable incidents under the program included a 13-year-old Coryal Secondary student charged with marijuana trafficking on September 17—among the first arrests under the initiative. Subsequent cases involved La Romaine High School students apprehended with marijuana on campus in October, and a Valencia Secondary student found with both marijuana and a concealed weapon in November.

    Despite these interventions, significant violent incidents persisted both within and outside program schools. Arima North Secondary, not included in the initiative, experienced multiple documented fights including a September teacher-student physical altercation that circulated on social media. A November mass brawl near Barataria North Secondary overwhelmed a single responding officer, highlighting ongoing challenges.

    Benjamin acknowledged that while physical confrontations have decreased compared to previous years based on police records, comprehensive data analysis remains ongoing. Future program enhancements will include mentorship components and strengthened collaboration with school safety officers and the Ministry of Education.

    Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association president Crystal Ashe characterized the police presence as “a positive thing,” noting anecdotal reports of improved security despite needing empirical evidence. Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath’s office requested additional verification before commenting on program outcomes and future directions.

  • Major Lazer, Bunji Garlin and America Foster team up for Goat

    Major Lazer, Bunji Garlin and America Foster team up for Goat

    Electronic dance music collective Major Lazer has unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration with Trinidadian soca icon Bunji Garlin and emerging UK-Jamaican artist America Foster. Their new single “Goat” represents a significant musical fusion, blending high-energy bouyon rhythms with electronic dance elements. This release forms part of Major Lazer’s nine-track album “Gyalgebra,” marking the group’s first comprehensive project release in half a decade, now available across major streaming platforms.

    The track showcases bouyon’s distinctive characteristics—a dynamic genre originating from Dominica that combines traditional folk elements with contemporary digital beats. This musical style has gained substantial traction throughout the Caribbean region, with notable artists including Machel Montano, Skillibeng, and Mr Killa incorporating bouyon influences into their recent works. Billboard magazine previously highlighted the genre’s expanding influence in a June feature, recognizing its growing international appeal.

    Accompanying the main release is the “Goat (Bouyon Mixes)” EP, available through band member Diplo’s Mad Decent label. The EP features innovative remixes by Trinidadian production team Precision Productions, led by Kacey Phillips, and Dominican music producer Dadamanufakture. These reinterpretations emphasize bouyon’s syncopated rhythms and high-energy soundscapes that originated in the Windward Islands before achieving regional prominence.

    The original single masterfully combines power soca’s rapid tempo, bouyon’s intricate drum patterns, and big-room EDM’s synthesizer elements, creating an anthem designed for carnival celebrations and festival environments. Barbadian DJ Puffy’s livestream preview of the remixes generated significant demand from fellow DJs, indicating strong industry reception.

    This collaboration continues Major Lazer’s tradition of Caribbean engagement, following their 2013 remix of Bunji Garlin’s “Differentology.” The “Gyalgebra” project showcases emerging Caribbean musical movements, including Trinidad’s zess music and Martinique’s shatta dancehall, while introducing America Foster as Major Lazer’s new featured vocalist.

  • Digital skills for 2026 side hustle

    Digital skills for 2026 side hustle

    As the Christmas season reaches its climax on December 25th, countless individuals share a common silent resolution: achieving a fundamentally different financial position by next year’s holiday season. The promising reality is that transforming one’s income trajectory in 2026 requires neither academic重返 nor career abandonment nor mastering highly technical disciplines.

    The contemporary digital landscape presents unprecedented opportunities through marketable skills that can be acquired within weeks of dedicated effort. These competencies can evolve into lucrative side hustles generating substantial revenue streams, including foreign exchange earnings. Artificial intelligence, no-code platforms, and global freelance marketplaces have dramatically lowered entry barriers, though increased competition demands specialization in delivering concrete outcomes rather than offering generic services.

    Short-form video editing and content repurposing emerge as premier skills, addressing the massive demand from brands and creators who produce long-form content but lack capacity to transform it into platform-optimized TikToks, Reels, Shorts, or LinkedIn clips. Mastery involves identifying pivotal moments, adding captions, formatting for diverse platforms, and maintaining consistent delivery—all achievable without on-camera presence or expensive software.

    User-Generated Content (UGC) creation represents another high-potential skill, focusing on authentic, influencer-style videos for brand advertisements and organic social content. Unlike traditional influencing, UGC prioritizes genuineness over follower counts and production perfection. With smartphone cameras, natural lighting, and storytelling techniques, individuals can rapidly generate online income.

    Website construction through no-code platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Shopify addresses persistent business needs for conversion-optimized landing pages. The value proposition lies not in tool proficiency but in execution speed and effectiveness. Similarly, AI-assisted website building utilizing tools like Loveable or Bolt AI enables rapid site generation and deployment, positioning AI as collaborative assistant rather than replacement.

    Marketing automation setup through Zapier, Make, Mailchimp, ConvertKit, and Calendly addresses manual task inefficiencies by connecting systems for automated email sequences, lead follow-ups, and client onboarding. This service essentially sells recovered time—a benefit businesses rarely abandon once experienced.

    AI content editing and quality control fulfills growing needs for human refinement of AI-generated drafts, improving tone, clarity, factual accuracy, and brand alignment. The market increasingly demands usable content rather than mere volume.

    Freelance profile and offer packaging addresses the critical gap where skilled practitioners fail due to ineffective service presentation. Structuring compelling profiles and outcome-oriented service packages constitutes a meta-skill applicable to one’s own business or as a service for others.

    Social media page setup and optimization delivers disproportionate value through minimal effort, addressing the surprising prevalence of incomplete or poorly-structured business profiles across platforms. This quick-win service builds client trust and opens doors to larger projects.

    Email marketing setup remains consistently relevant due to email’s status as a high-ROI channel often underutilized by businesses. Skills in platform configuration, list building, welcome sequences, and newsletter management provide enduring value regardless of trending platforms.

    Digital research and market insight support caters to analytical minds, offering competitor analysis, content research, keyword insights, and audience analysis. While AI accelerates processes, interpretation and strategic insight remain distinctly human capabilities.

    The overarching objective transcends quick riches: developing digital skills builds leverage, creates optional income streams, reduces single-paycheck dependency, and enables global rather than merely local earnings. The Christmas break offers ideal conditions for skill acquisition, while the new year provides momentum for monetization. Consistent application promises a dramatically different financial reality by next December.

  • Lessons from Bethlehem

    Lessons from Bethlehem

    The ancient city of Bethlehem has witnessed a remarkable transformation this Christmas season, with festive celebrations returning after two years of subdued observances. The traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ has come alive with reopened businesses, glittering holiday decorations, and returning families—a stark contrast to the deserted streets of previous years.

    This dramatic revival stems from a fragile ceasefire following the devastating Hamas-led October 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli casualties, and the subsequent military offensive by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government that claimed over 70,000 Palestinian lives in Gaza.

    While Bethlehem’s resurgence offers hope for Middle East peace, the holiday season unfolds against a backdrop of escalating global tensions. Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and geopolitical maneuvering threaten to draw the Americas into broader conflicts. His administration remains embroiled in controversies surrounding connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, causing internal divisions within his political base.

    Trump’s political strategy, characterized by exploiting racial tensions, disseminating misinformation, and fabricating cultural conflicts against international institutions, continues to influence global politics. Similar tactics are emerging in various nations, including Canada where the Liberal government prepares stringent refugee policies, and Trinidad and Tobago facing comparable challenges.

    This stands in stark contrast to the Nativity story’s essence, which recounts Mary and Joseph’s flight from Herod’s persecution—a narrative of refugee struggle often overlooked in contemporary discourse. Modern celebrations occur amidst naval deployments, GPS jamming incidents, and aerial near-misses, while unprecedented numbers seek assistance from charities and NGOs for basic necessities.

    Yet Bethlehem’s resilience—echoing the symbolic rebirth of Christ—offers a potent testament to enduring hope. The city’s restoration serves as a powerful metaphor for maintaining faith in peace and renewal despite overwhelming challenges, reminding global citizens of the persistent light that defines the season of goodwill.