Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Red Force Divas guard against complacency ahead of T20 Blaze

    Red Force Divas guard against complacency ahead of T20 Blaze

    As the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force Divas intensify preparations for back-to-back regional cricket tournaments, head coach Merissa Aguilleira has identified mental complacency as the primary obstacle her squad must overcome. The team is currently in final training camp ahead of the Cricket West Indies Women’s T20 Blaze competition, scheduled for January 13-24 at Arnos Vale Playing Field in St Vincent, which will be immediately followed by the condensed CG United Women’s Super50 Cup from January 27-31.

    The TT squad, which captured last year’s Super50 title with a decisive seven-wicket victory over Barbados, finished a disappointing fifth in the 2025 T20 Blaze. This inconsistency has prompted strategic adjustments to both training methods and mental approach under Aguilleira’s leadership.

    ‘Players aren’t lacking in technical preparation—they’ve been executing superbly in both formats, demonstrating powerful hitting and intelligent running between wickets,’ Aguilleira stated in a January 6 interview. ‘The critical challenge is maintaining consistency and avoiding complacency during high-pressure situations.’

    The 14-member squad boasts considerable experience with captain Karishma Ramharack—named TTCB’s 2025 Female International Cricketer of the Year—leading a group that includes legendary off-spinner Anisa Mohammed alongside veterans Britney Cooper and Lee Ann Kirby. The team also features promising young talent with 18-year-old Samara Ramnath and 15-year-old leg-spin prodigy Shriya Jairam.

    Significant tactical changes have been implemented following post-season evaluation, particularly in batting strategy. The recruitment of renowned Caribbean batting coach Robert Samuels in September has already yielded measurable improvements according to the coaching staff.

    Recognizing fitness as another crucial component, the management arranged multiple two-day matches in late December to enhance endurance and wicket preservation—essential for the condensed tournament schedule. Additional preparation included night games under lights to simulate match conditions and a final 50-over practice match against male opponents.

    The team’s psychological preparation received equal attention, with a specialized sports psychology session conducted by the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago on January 6. This mental conditioning comes despite the squad’s recent near-miss at the Bolivarian Games in Peru, where Aguilleira noted significant progress despite falling short of gold.

    ‘Our performances in Peru demonstrated we’re operating at an elevated level compared to regional counterparts,’ Aguilleira observed. ‘Maintaining composure under pressure remains our final piece of the puzzle.’

    The coach acknowledged Trinidad and Tobago’s traditional status as a target for regional rivals, embracing the competitive pressure that comes with their championship pedigree. The squad departs for St Vincent on January 10, fully aware that defending their Super50 title while improving T20 performance will require both physical excellence and mental resilience.

  • Garvin Guerra to go before SoE tribunal

    Garvin Guerra to go before SoE tribunal

    In a significant legal development, Garvin Guerra, son of recently-released businessman Danny Guerra, is scheduled to appear before Trinidad and Tobago’s State of Emergency Review Tribunal on January 6th. The younger Guerra has retained the services of British King’s Counsel Richard John Thomas KC, the same attorney who successfully represented his father, to challenge his preventive detention order (PDO).

    Garvin Guerra was initially arrested alongside his father on November 20th under allegations of gang membership, illegal arms trafficking, money laundering, and unauthorized quarry operations. His detention order specifically accused him of maintaining access to high-powered firearms with alleged intentions to assassinate a government minister and escalate attacks against rival gangs in public areas.

    The legal proceedings gained momentum following the dramatic release of Danny Guerra on January 2nd, when Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander revoked his detention order. This development occurred mere hours after the Guerra legal team escalated their challenge by issuing a pre-action protocol letter to Minister Alexander, threatening immediate High Court proceedings unless the detention was revoked or comprehensive disclosure provided by the January 2nd deadline.

    The Guerra case has drawn attention to the functioning of the SoE Review Tribunal, which defense attorneys have criticized for failing to act with sufficient urgency to protect constitutional rights during the state of emergency. Attorney Thomas KC received official authorization from Attorney General John Jeremie through Legal Notice No. 1 of 2026, gazetted on January 5th and signed January 2nd, to practice in Trinidad and Tobago specifically for this case.

    Background investigations reveal that both Guerras faced previous charges on October 11th for unlicensed aggregate processing, for which they secured $50,000 bail each. These charges stemmed from a major police operation on October 9th that targeted an illegal quarry at Manuel Congo, Guanapo, resulting in the seizure of multimillion-dollar processing equipment and the detention of 18 individuals including the Guerras. All defendants have since appeared in court regarding these separate charges.

  • Coach Emrit: Players looking in must pressure Red Force starters

    Coach Emrit: Players looking in must pressure Red Force starters

    Trinidad and Tobago Red Force head coach Rayad Emrit has issued a clarion call to domestic cricketers, emphasizing that exceptional performances in the upcoming local club season could secure coveted spots on the national squad for the West Indies Four-Day Championships commencing in April. With the regional tournament undergoing a shortened format and a later start this year, Emrit underscored a critical window of opportunity for emerging players to stake their claim.

    Despite finishing third in the 2025 championship behind champions Guyana Harpy Eagles and runners-up Barbados Pride, the Red Force management is not complacent. Emrit highlighted the importance of building a deep, competitive squad where reserve players exert significant pressure on the starting XI. ‘It is very important that your backup players are as good as your players on the field,’ Emrit stated. ‘If your reserves are very strong, then it puts a lot of pressure on the playing XI. It is good to have that headache.’

    Emrit explicitly warned against mediocrity, setting a high performance threshold for national selection. He asserted that averaging below 30 in club cricket is insufficient for regional success, signaling a shift towards a meritocracy based on tangible results. ‘We are not going to settle for mediocrity… We are not going to pick guys who are averaging 20 and 25 in club cricket to represent the national team. It is not going to work like that,’ he declared.

    Identifying specific talent, Emrit named several promising players on the selection radar, including Shatrughan Rambaran, Abdul-Raheem Toppin, Aadian Racha (currently with the West Indies Under-19 team), and Brendan Boodoo, another West Indies Under-19 alumnus. Their inclusion, however, is contingent upon consistent high-level performances in the National League competition set to begin in the coming weeks.

    Preparations for the regional campaign are set to intensify, with training sessions scheduled to commence on January 8. The initial phase will concentrate on elevating fitness, strength, conditioning, and mental fortitude—an area Emrit believes requires significant enhancement. Reflecting on the previous season, he conceded that the Guyana Harpy Eagles possessed a superior fitness level, a competitive edge the Red Force aims to develop. Following this conditioning period, the squad will engage in net sessions and trial matches to finalize team selection.

  • Anderson is the 2025 UWI Global Campus valedictorian

    Anderson is the 2025 UWI Global Campus valedictorian

    Alex Anderson, an accomplished Jamaican educator, has been selected as the valedictorian for The University of the West Indies Global Campus Class of 2025. The virtual graduation ceremony, scheduled for January 10th, will feature Anderson addressing fellow graduates from across the region.

    Hailing from Montego Bay, St. James, Anderson brings eight years of primary school teaching experience to his new honor. His educational philosophy centers on transformative, student-focused approaches that foster confidence, curiosity, and academic excellence. Before pursuing his Bachelor of Education in Educational Leadership and Management at UWI Global Campus, Anderson earned a psychology degree from Canada’s University of Waterloo in 2012.

    Anderson’s teaching methodology transcends conventional academic metrics, emphasizing the development of critical thinking skills essential for success beyond classroom walls. He balances full-time teaching with academic rigor and family responsibilities, embodying perseverance and resilience—qualities he attributes to Walter Elliot’s philosophy about perseverance consisting of ‘many short races one after the other.’

    Beyond his professional accomplishments, Anderson maintains diverse personal interests including football, travel, music, and culinary arts—a passion nurtured alongside his mother in their family kitchen. His Christian faith profoundly influences both his personal and professional life, guided by principles from Philippians 2:3-4 emphasizing humility, compassion, and purposeful living.

    Dr. Francis O. Severin, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UWI Global Campus, expressed particular satisfaction that an educator received this recognition, noting it serves as motivation for teachers and education professionals whose contributions often go unrecognized despite being fundamental to student development.

    The university’s Senior Management Team has extended congratulations for Anderson’s academic achievement and best wishes for his future endeavors. The virtual ceremony will be broadcast on January 10th at 6:00 PM EC time through multiple platforms including UWItv.global, Facebook Live, and Flow EVO channels.

  • UN rep: Trinidad and Tobago ‘equally committed’ to US, Venezuela

    UN rep: Trinidad and Tobago ‘equally committed’ to US, Venezuela

    In a pivotal address to the United Nations Security Council on January 5, Dr. Neil Parsan, Trinidad and Tobago’s Permanent Representative to the UN, articulated his nation’s balanced diplomatic stance toward both the United States and Venezuela during an emergency session. The meeting was convened following the dramatic January 3rd military operation where US forces apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores in Caracas, extraditing them to New York to face narcotics trafficking allegations, to which they entered pleas of not guilty.

    Speaking as a representative of a Caribbean neighbor and a historical proponent of peaceful coexistence, Dr. Parsan acknowledged the gravity of recent developments. He expressed gratitude to the Security Council for its swift response while outlining Trinidad and Tobago’s nuanced position. The ambassador confirmed his government’s awareness of the US military intervention and reiterated commitment to US-led cooperative initiatives aimed at dismantling transnational criminal networks that plague regional security and stability.

    However, Ambassador Parsan emphasized that Port of Spain’s cooperation with Washington does not diminish its equally vital relationship with Caracas. He explicitly stated Trinidad and Tobago’s dedication to maintaining a ‘constructive and respectful relationship with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela,’ underscoring continued peaceful relations with the Venezuelan people. This diplomatic balancing act reflects the nation’s aspiration to collaborate with all partners toward a safer and more prosperous hemisphere.

    The emergency session also featured a statement from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who expressed profound concern that the US military action disregarded established principles of international law. Guterres warned that this ‘grave’ action could establish a dangerous precedent for future inter-state relations, highlighting the broader implications of the event that triggered the council’s meeting.

  • Odle wins NCC’s Welcome to the Gayelle in Moruga

    Odle wins NCC’s Welcome to the Gayelle in Moruga

    In a triumphant return to competitive form, five-time national stickfighting champion O’Neil Odle emerged victorious at the inaugural National Carnival Commission’s Welcome to the Gayelle tournament. The historic event, held on January 3rd at the Moruga Multi-Purpose Youth and Sport Facility, marked a significant revival of traditional martial arts within Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape.

    The competition witnessed fierce athletic displays as more than a dozen nationally-recruited contenders vied for the prestigious top prize of $10,000. Selwyn John secured second position while Terrance Marcano claimed third place in the intensely contested matches that characterized the evening’s proceedings.

    According to the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, the event exceeded organizational expectations with robust community engagement. Over 200 patrons attended the free-admission spectacle, which featured diverse entertainment segments alongside the primary competitive bouts. The ministry emphasized that the tournament series aims to strengthen and preserve the national stickfighting circuit through accessible community-based events.

    Minister Michelle Benjamin personally addressed attendees, highlighting the government’s commitment to cultural preservation. The Welcome to the Gayelle initiative represents a single-round competition format scheduled across multiple communities, combining athletic competition with cultural performances.

    Future installments are confirmed for January 10th at Debe Junction and January 17th at Constantine Park in Tunapuna. All events will commence at 7 PM local time with live streaming available through the NCC’s official YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram platforms, ensuring global accessibility to these cultural showcases.

  • Some new year thoughts

    Some new year thoughts

    In a comprehensive New Year’s address to the nation, Surujrattan Rambachan delivered a poignant reflection on Trinidad and Tobago’s current challenges and future aspirations. The leader acknowledged the profound impact of global crises—from geopolitical conflicts and economic pressures to climate vulnerability—on the Caribbean nation, while emphasizing the distinctive resilience of its citizens.

    Rambachan painted a realistic portrait of domestic concerns affecting households nationwide: escalating living costs, public safety anxieties, economic transitions, and social fragmentation. Yet he countered this narrative by highlighting the enduring strength demonstrated through community solidarity, with educators, healthcare professionals, first responders, and ordinary citizens consistently reinforcing societal foundations.

    The address celebrated Trinidad and Tobago’s unique multicultural identity, noting how diverse religious and cultural traditions—from Divali and Eid to Christmas and Carnival—form the nation’s collective heartbeat. This diversity, Rambachan stressed, represents an active practice rather than mere slogan, requiring continuous nurturing.

    A significant portion of the message focused on reciprocal responsibilities. Leadership must demonstrate integrity, transparency, and accountability in governance, while citizens should uphold respect for legal frameworks and communal spaces. The speaker emphasized that combating crime necessitates addressing root causes through prevention strategies, community engagement, and moral leadership alongside enforcement measures.

    Economic transformation emerged as a critical priority, with calls for diversification beyond energy sectors through investments in technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and creative industries. Rambachan insisted that economic success must be measured by inclusive growth that benefits all citizens regardless of background.

    The address specifically addressed youth development, emphasizing the need for educational systems that foster character development and critical thinking alongside academic achievement. Environmental stewardship received urgent attention as well, with warnings about climate threats to the nation’s natural heritage.

    Concluding with a call for personal and collective renewal, Rambachan invoked themes of shared destiny, mutual respect, and hopeful perseverance, wishing citizens a meaningful year ahead guided by cooperation and principle.

  • Slain fire officer remembered by family, friends, colleagues

    Slain fire officer remembered by family, friends, colleagues

    The Arima Tennis Club hosted a solemn memorial service on January 5th honoring fire officer Bruce Lezama, whose life was tragically cut short in a brutal murder that has shaken both his community and colleagues. The 47-year-old paramedic and ambulance driver, last seen on Christmas Day, was discovered dead near his Arima residence on December 30th after family members grew concerned about his unusual silence during the holiday season.

    Dozens gathered to commemorate Lezama’s nearly 18 years of exemplary service with the TT Fire Service, describing him as a pillar of his community whose dedication extended far beyond his professional responsibilities. Colleagues and relatives remembered him as a disciplined professional who frequently volunteered his off-duty time and utilized his paramedic expertise to train community members in life-saving CPR techniques.

    His brother Perry Bengoche shared poignant memories of Lezama’s character: “He was the kind of person who actively supported the community and helped young people. If you asked Bruce for work, he would inquire about your skills and provide the necessary tools—whether purchasing masonry equipment for builders or grass cutters for landscapers.”

    The investigation into Lezama’s death revealed disturbing details. Family members initially became alarmed when they couldn’t reach him post-Christmas. A visit to his property showed his gate open, television operational, and vehicle missing—highly uncharacteristic behavior for the conscientious fire officer.

    Despite the trauma, family members expressed surprising appreciation for law enforcement’s handling of the case. Bengoche noted, “I previously had my issues with police, but these officers treated us with exceptional respect, care, and emotional sensitivity across all departments—local police, forensics, anti-kidnapping, and homicide.”

    Fire officer Wallen Amdros, representing over 200 colleagues from Lezama’s batch, emphasized the victim’s impeccable character: “I cannot say anything negative about him. He never drank or frequented social gatherings, which makes his tragic passing even more perplexing.”

    The family continues grappling with unanswered questions about the motive behind the killing, with cousin Keva Reyes noting, “He lived simply without flashy possessions or expensive vehicles. This might stem from jealousy or envy, but we truly don’t understand.”

    With support from community networks and Fire Service officials, Lezama’s relatives are navigating their grief while advocating for justice, determined to honor his legacy of service and compassion.

  • Looking forward to next World Cup

    Looking forward to next World Cup

    Following Trinidad and Tobago’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup under head coach Dwight Yorke, a passionate public appeal has emerged calling for strategic overhaul of the national football program.

    The critique, published in Newsday’s Letters to the Editor section by Princes Town resident AV Rampersad, argues for fundamental changes in team composition and philosophy. The central recommendation advocates for building the senior squad around young, home-based talent rather than relying on foreign-based professionals, who are perceived to approach domestic matches with insufficient competitive intensity.

    The letter characterizes international friendlies and home matches involving overseas players as ‘fete matches’ where the outcome becomes secondary to entertainment and celebration. This approach, the author contends, undermines serious competitive development when ‘winning is not everything—it is the only thing.’

    Despite the disappointing qualification campaign, the commentary expresses support for retaining Yorke as technical director while completely reimagining player selection criteria. The argument emphasizes that experience will naturally develop through sustained international exposure for domestic league players, creating a more dedicated and affordable national pool.

    The analysis concludes with forward-looking perspective, suggesting the federation should immediately begin constructing a youth-oriented squad capable of mounting a serious qualification bid for the 2030 World Cup cycle through sustained development rather than short-term solutions.

  • Rishi Gayadeen celebrates 40 years in music

    Rishi Gayadeen celebrates 40 years in music

    As Carnival preparations reach fever pitch in Trinidad and Tobago, veteran musician Rishi Gayadeen stands at the helm of both studio productions and live performances, marking an extraordinary 40-year career that has shaped the nation’s soundscape. The 51-year-old musical director, currently leading preparations as bandleader for the Chutney Soca Monarch competition, has already completed approximately 35 productions this season while balancing numerous private engagements.

    Gayadeen’s musical journey represents more than professional achievement—it embodies a lifelong dedication rooted in childhood discipline. Growing up surrounded by his father’s orchestra, The Gayatones, he describes music as haunting his soul from birth. “Being around that band room and rehearsal was a calling for me,” he reflects. “It haunted my soul. Every opportunity I got, I watched them rehearse and I soaked in everything.”

    His formal training began at six years old under his father’s strict guidance: “We were taught to play original East Indian music by dad who told us ‘If you can’t play it close to the record, then don’t play it.’” This foundation in musical authenticity would later expand through exposure to soca, chutney, and reggae artists, sparking what he describes as a fascination with understanding the structure and swing of all genres.

    The pivotal moment arrived when young Gayadeen first entered a recording studio. Witnessing technology transform creative vision into recorded art, he knew music would define his path. By 12, he was performing professionally; by 15, he had entered studio production. This evolution from keyboardist to producer, musical director, and mentor now includes nurturing emerging artists like Avinash Maharaj and Divya Gocool—a responsibility he embraces as repayment for opportunities received.

    Gayadeen’s career highlights include winning the Mastana Bahar competition in 2011 as a solo keyboardist, claiming a $75,000 prize that fulfilled a childhood dream. He credits mentor Kenny Phillips of KMP Studios for crucial guidance, particularly when installing Logic Pro Digital Studio on his laptop with the instruction: “go home and study this until you get it right.”

    Now leading RG The Band—a rebranding effort after 33 years in the industry—Gayadeen emphasizes the importance of evolution while preserving authenticity. “Never forget where you started,” he advises. “Building a foundation and preserving it will always keep you going.”

    Despite four decades of performances, Gayadeen’s passion remains undiminished. With a new recording studio under construction, upcoming tours, and year-round bookings, he affirms: “The stage is my home and I’ll play music till my last breath.” His commitment will culminate on March 22 with “RG Musical Journey,” a live performance showcasing his evolution through Bollywood, chutney, soca, and parang genres.

    Reflecting on his legacy, Gayadeen hopes to be remembered for quality, humility, and helping others achieve their dreams. For aspiring musicians, he offers tempered advice: “Set goals, focus on what you want and work hard toward it. There will be obstacles in your path, but don’t allow it to break your focus.”

    Having dedicated his life to music, Gayadeen concludes with profound certainty: “Music is who I am. I believe people were born to do certain things in this life. I feel blessed and grateful to be still on those stages…making our fans happy.”