Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Kamla: No fears of economic impact from Caricom fallout

    Kamla: No fears of economic impact from Caricom fallout

    A significant diplomatic strain has emerged within the Caribbean Community (Caricom) as Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar publicly dismissed concerns about potential economic repercussions from the regional bloc. This development follows escalating tensions with Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who previously highlighted Trinidad’s substantial economic benefits from Caricom membership.

    Despite Browne’s December 21 Facebook post revealing Trinidad earned approximately US$1.1 billion from Caricom trade—including US$142 million in customs revenue under the Common External Tariff protection—Persad-Bissessar maintained an uncompromising stance. When questioned by Newsday about potential withdrawal from the regional organization, the Prime Minister responded via WhatsApp that “Withdrawal from Caricom has not been discussed by Cabinet” and asserted, “I am not worried about any economic impact.”

    The controversy stems from Persad-Bissessar’s apparent alignment with United States anti-narcotics operations targeting Venezuelan leadership, which critics characterize as sidelining Caricom’s zone of peace policy. This position has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents, including Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West MP Stuart Young, who labeled the Prime Minister’s approach as “reckless, unwarranted, dangerous and destructive.”

    Former foreign affairs minister and Opposition Senator Dr. Amery Browne emphasized the gravity of questioning Caricom’s integrity, noting the organization comprises 21 member states established in 1973. He warned that unsubstantiated accusations of narco-alignment represent serious allegations against multiple sovereign nations.

    In a conciliatory December 22 Facebook post, Prime Minister Browne struck a diplomatic tone, expressing affection for Trinidadian citizens while extending “season’s greetings” to his counterpart, suggesting ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions within the regional community.

  • INDY sweep Jewels of the Caribbean titles

    INDY sweep Jewels of the Caribbean titles

    INDY Premier Sports Club from Indianapolis achieved a remarkable double victory at the Jewels of the Caribbean tournament, securing both the Under-17 and Under-20 girls’ championships in decisive fashion against Jamaican teams at Trinidad’s Hasely Crawford Stadium on December 21.

    The American club’s triumphant campaign culminated in two tightly contested finals that showcased their tactical discipline and clinical finishing. In the Under-17 final, INDY demonstrated superior offensive execution with a 2-0 victory over their Jamaican counterparts. The match saw Skylar Mueller break the deadlock in the 16th minute after expertly finishing a low cross from teammate Olivia Jones, who had created the opportunity with an impressive dribble past defenders on the left flank.

    Jones later cemented the victory with a 62nd-minute strike that sealed Jamaica’s fate. The Jamaican goalkeeper London Cathey fought valiantly but ultimately couldn’t withstand INDY’s persistent attacking pressure throughout the contest.

    The Under-20 final presented an equally compelling narrative of American soccer prowess as INDY secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory through set-piece excellence. Team captain Cadence Conrad delivered a precise corner kick in the 38th minute that found Samantha Slade, whose powerful header beat Jamaican goalkeeper London Phoenix for what proved to be the tournament-deciding goal.

    The dual championships mark a significant achievement for the Indianapolis-based club, highlighting the growing competitiveness of American youth soccer programs in international tournaments. The victories also underscore the increasing globalization of women’s soccer development, with clubs from non-traditional soccer nations making their mark on the Caribbean tournament circuit.

  • New Zealand crush Windies to seal series 2-0

    New Zealand crush Windies to seal series 2-0

    In a spectacular display of bowling prowess, Jacob Duffy led New Zealand to a decisive 323-run victory against the West Indies in the third Test at Mount Maunganui on December 22. The triumph secured a 2-0 series win for the hosts, culminating in a dominant performance that saw the visitors dismissed for a mere 138 runs on a challenging fifth-day pitch.

    Duffy’s remarkable figures of 5-42 not only anchored New Zealand’s victory but also propelled him past cricket legend Richard Hadlee’s longstanding record of 80 wickets in a calendar year. The pace bowler finished the series with 23 wickets at an impressive average of 15.4, including three five-wicket hauls. His exceptional contribution earned him the well-deserved Player of the Series honor.

    The match witnessed extraordinary batting performances from New Zealand’s openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham, who established multiple records throughout the contest. Conway’s monumental 227 and Latham’s 137 in the first innings created a massive 323-run opening partnership. Both batsmen continued their dominance in the second innings with centuries, marking the first instance in Test history where both openers achieved centuries in both innings of a match.

    The series unfolded against the backdrop of significant challenges for both teams, particularly regarding depleted pace attacks. The West Indies competed without key bowlers Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph, while New Zealand navigated the absence of six frontline pace bowlers due to injuries, elevating Duffy to the role of attack spearhead.

    Despite the one-sided conclusion, the West Indies demonstrated considerable resilience throughout the series. The first Test particularly highlighted their fighting spirit, with Justin Greaves’ marathon 202 and the team’s record fourth-innings effort of 457-6 resulting in a dramatic draw—the highest fourth-innings score since the implementation of five-day Test matches.

    The final day’s play began with West Indies openers Brandon King (67) and John Campbell (16) showing determined resistance before Duffy’s breakthrough triggered a collapse that saw five wickets fall before lunch. The deteriorating pitch conditions, with widening cracks and irregular bounce, ultimately proved too challenging for the Caribbean batsmen to overcome.

  • US military activity plagues C’bean flights: Region on edge on land, sky and sea

    US military activity plagues C’bean flights: Region on edge on land, sky and sea

    The escalating geopolitical confrontation between the United States and Venezuela has introduced significant navigation challenges for Caribbean aviation, with GPS signal interference becoming a notable operational concern. Since December 16, US naval forces have established a maritime blockade around Venezuela, implementing electronic countermeasures that disrupt satellite navigation systems across the region.

    Despite Trinidad and Tobago’s proximity to Venezuela—merely seven miles distant—Caribbean Airlines (CAL) Chairman Reyna Kowlessar maintains that the airline’s operations remain unaffected by GPS jamming. In a December 22 statement, Kowlessar emphasized that comprehensive pre-flight checks ensure operational integrity, with no reported disruptions to CAL’s navigation systems.

    However, an experienced CAL pilot, speaking anonymously, revealed that while safety remains uncompromised, the intermittent GPS disruptions necessitate alternative navigation methods. Pilots increasingly rely on Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Range (VOR) systems and conventional navigation techniques, resulting in extended flight durations and increased fuel consumption. The pilot noted that typical five-hour flights to New York may now require six hours, creating economic inefficiencies without compromising safety protocols.

    A more pressing concern emerged regarding US military aircraft operating without activated transponders in Trinidadian airspace. The absence of these critical identification systems—which enable Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) to function—creates potential collision risks. This issue gained attention after a JetBlue pilot nearly collided with an unidentified military aircraft near Curaçao, prompting outrage within aviation circles.

    Air traffic control sources confirmed that while GPS disruptions remain manageable, the non-communication of military aircraft poses greater operational hazards. Retired Civil Aviation Director General Ramesh Lutchmedial provided historical context, referencing the 1983 Soviet shootdown of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 as precedent for why major powers typically avoid jeopardizing civilian aviation safety. Lutchmedial suggested that any active GPS jamming likely originates from Russian-supplied Venezuelan equipment rather than US systems.

    CAL leadership reaffirmed their commitment to safety-first operations, with continuous monitoring and adaptive route management ensuring passenger security amid regional tensions.

  • Appeal Court blocks Vincent Nelson’s bid to take case to Privy Council

    Appeal Court blocks Vincent Nelson’s bid to take case to Privy Council

    In a significant judicial development, the Trinidad and Tobago Court of Appeal has rejected convicted King’s Counsel Vincent Nelson’s application for conditional leave to appeal his 2019 corruption conviction. The three-judge panel comprising Justices Nolan Bereaux, James Aboud, and Ricky Rahim unanimously dismissed Nelson’s petition on December 19, determining the matter raised no substantive constitutional issues warranting further domestic consideration.

    Justice Bereaux, delivering the oral ruling, emphasized that the Director of Public Prosecutions’ decision to prosecute did not violate Nelson’s constitutional rights, noting that all due process safeguards were meticulously observed throughout the plea agreement proceedings. The court characterized Nelson’s application as merely procedural rather than constituting a final appeal against his conviction and sentence.

    The ruling follows a July decision where the appellate court found Nelson failed to demonstrate prosecutorial misconduct by the DPP and had substantially delayed filing his appeal. Justice Geoffrey Henderson, in the previous ruling, noted that Nelson—a UK-based tax attorney—voluntarily entered his plea agreement in 2019 and had ample opportunity to disclose any alleged promises or threats during original proceedings.

    Nelson pleaded guilty in June 2019 to conspiracy to commit corruption and money laundering charges stemming from a legal-fee kickback scheme. He received a $2.25 million fine in March 2020 after agreeing to testify against former attorney general Anand Ramlogan, SC, and former UNC senator Gerald Ramdeen. Those prosecutions were subsequently discontinued in 2022 when Nelson refused to testify pending resolution of a $95 million civil claim related to an alleged indemnity agreement.

    In his appeal arguments, Nelson contended that former attorney general Faris Al-Rawi had promised him immunity, a pardon, and payment of legal fees, leading him to provide self-incriminating statements under false pretenses. The court found these claims unsupported by sworn evidence from the attorney who allegedly conveyed the promises.

    The court also highlighted the extraordinary delay in Nelson’s appeal filing—submitted in October 2023, more than four years after conviction and three years after sentencing. Justice Henderson rejected Nelson’s explanations including illness and expectation of pardon as insufficient justification.

    Nelson’s legal team, led by Edward Fitzgerald, KC, argued their client acted as a confidential informant and only provided incriminating evidence after receiving assurances of protection. Fitzgerald asserted Nelson received £1 million days after giving his statement, suggesting he was ‘tricked’ by false promises.

    DPP representative Ian Benjamin, SC, countered that Nelson was a seasoned barrister who strategically entered the plea agreement and delayed challenging it for leverage. Benjamin emphasized that prosecutorial authority resides solely with the DPP and pardon powers rest with the Mercy Committee, not the attorney general.

    Nelson has not yet paid the imposed $2.25 million fine and intends to seek special leave from the London-based Privy Council—TT’s final appellate court—following this domestic judicial setback.

  • Jearlean: Cabo Star replacement will arrive on time

    Jearlean: Cabo Star replacement will arrive on time

    The Trinidad and Tobago government has moved to reassure citizens that maritime transport services between the islands will continue uninterrupted despite the impending expiration of the MV Cabo Star’s contract on January 12th. Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John confirmed in a December 22nd telephone interview that arrangements are already underway to secure a replacement vessel for the critical inter-island connection.

    Minister John maintained that ‘the replacement vessel will be here’ when needed, though she acknowledged that no formal contract has been finalized with any specific provider. When pressed for details regarding the identified replacement or its source, the minister declined to provide further information, stating simply ‘We have not contracted’ before terminating the interview.

    The situation has drawn attention from Tobago House of Assembly (THA) officials, who have been engaged in discussions with the central government since June. THA Deputy Chief Secretary Dr. Faith Brebnor revealed that while the assembly was aware of the lease expiration, they were surprised to learn the vessel had been sold. She emphasized that maintaining the steady flow of essential goods and products to Tobago remains a paramount concern for the THA.

    Dr. Brebnor indicated that the THA expects to receive a comprehensive action plan from the Ministry of Works by December’s end, noting that since the contract expiration was known for months, the ministry should be fully prepared for the January 12th transition. The MV Cabo Star, a roll-on/roll-off cargo and passenger ferry, has served as the backbone of TT’s inter-island seabridge since 2017, making its replacement crucial for maintaining economic and social connectivity between the islands.

  • Avoiding aches, injuries during the holidays

    Avoiding aches, injuries during the holidays

    As Christmas approaches, a concerning trend emerges: countless individuals inadvertently pushing their bodies beyond limits through festive preparations. Dr. Nicole de Freitas, a seasoned physical therapist with 23 years of experience and clinical doctorate from the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences, warns that December’s intensified activities—from decorating to entertaining—create perfect conditions for physical strain and injury.

    Dr. de Freitas, owner of Total Rehabilitation Centre Limited in Trinidad and certified ergonomic specialist, emphasizes that ergonomics extends far beyond office environments. “Ergonomics represents the study between job characteristics and the worker,” she explains, noting that ‘job’ encompasses parenting, household management, cooking, and seasonal decorating. The Christmas period particularly amplifies both mental and physical demands, requiring heightened body awareness and movement intelligence.

    According to her research, most injuries occur when exhaustion sets in—typically late in the day when people override their body’s signals. The holiday combination of limited rest, alcohol consumption, and nutritional compromises creates a vulnerability cascade where bodies eventually “break down” without proper support.

    The specialist provides specific preventive strategies:

    For heavy lifting: Secure assistance for items exceeding 50 pounds, and break loads into manageable 20-25 pound segments. When retrieving overhead items, use sturdy ladders with staggered stance positioning.

    For decorating: Utilize stools for low-level work to avoid bending, maintain proximity to tasks, and alternate between sitting and standing positions during extended activities like gift wrapping.

    For cooking marathons: Segment tasks—sitting for vegetable chopping or leaf folding—and wear cushioned footwear with arch support rather than flat slippers. Avoid asymmetrical “stork standing” and practice knee bending instead of waist flexion when handling heavy turkeys or hams.

    For travelers: Acknowledge that seated positions increase spinal disc pressure significantly. Combat stiffness through frequent movement breaks, supplemental back support with towel rolls or pillows, and compression stockings for circulation. Maintain legroom for stretching and utilize neck pillows for additional support.

    For shoppers: Distribute weight through multiple trips, consider trolleys instead of carrying loads, and recognize when to pause.

    When injuries occur, Dr. de Freitas recommends immediate position changes followed by gradual movement within tolerable ranges—avoiding complete immobilization. Persistent pain beyond 48 hours, especially when accompanied by sharp sensations, weakness, or bladder/bowel control issues, warrants urgent medical attention.

    Her overarching philosophy: “Your best posture is your next posture.” Regular movement, maintained strength, nutritional density, and proper hydration collectively sustain the body machine. Most importantly, she reminds perfection-seekers that meaningful celebrations don’t require flawless execution—preserving one’s wellbeing ultimately defines successful holiday experiences.

  • Finance Minister to public servants – Save some back pay for rainy days

    Finance Minister to public servants – Save some back pay for rainy days

    In a significant development for Trinidad’s public sector, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has issued a compelling appeal to public servants receiving partial back payments, emphasizing the critical importance of financial prudence. The minister’s advisory comes amidst ongoing economic pressures and rising living costs, urging recipients to prioritize saving and long-term financial security over immediate expenditure.

    The backdrop to this financial advisory stems from the recent memorandum of agreement signed between the Public Service Association (PSA) and Chief Personnel Officer Dr. Daryl Dindial on December 2. This landmark agreement secured a ten percent wage increase for public servants, with new salaries scheduled for January implementation and an advance on arrears promised before December 23. Notably, the complete $3.8 billion in back pay will not be distributed in full cash payments immediately, with the initial disbursement capped at approximately $500 million for the PSA’s 80,000 members.

    Financial experts have reinforced the minister’s message with practical guidance. Ian Chinapoo, Group CEO of Guardian Group with three decades of financial expertise, introduced ‘The 4T Framework’ for managing windfall payments. His comprehensive approach emphasizes emotional regulation (Take a breath), financial assessment (Think out loud), strategic debt management (Tactical moves), and future-oriented investing (Target your future). Chinapoo specifically recommends allocating no less than 50% of back pay to secure investments like mutual funds, stocks, and government bonds.

    Adding depth to the financial counsel, Miguel Martinez, President of Guardian Asset Management, warned against the psychological trap of treating lump sums as ‘found money.’ He advocated for a balanced allocation strategy dividing funds between enjoyment, debt reduction, and savings/investments. Martinez particularly emphasized building emergency reserves covering six months of income and pursuing purpose-driven investing through professionally managed funds with strong track records and transparent fee structures.

    Both experts concur that this disbursement presents a unique opportunity for public servants to establish lasting financial stability, transform their economic outlook, and create intergenerational wealth through disciplined financial management and strategic partnership with reputable financial institutions.

  • Los Parranderos de UWI, 45 years going strong

    Los Parranderos de UWI, 45 years going strong

    The University of the West Indies (UWI) witnessed a remarkable cultural celebration as Los Parranderos de UWI marked its 45th anniversary with a special concert at the Learning Resource Centre in St. Augustine on November 30. The event brought together past members, former leaders, and distinguished guests from the parang community to honor the group’s enduring legacy in Trinidad and Tobago’s musical landscape.

    Founded in 1980 by members of UWI’s Spanish Society, the ensemble has evolved from a student initiative into a nationally recognized parang institution. Their journey into competitive parang began in 1993 through the National Parang Association of TT (NPATT), where they achieved an extraordinary record of seven consecutive second-place finishes (1999-2005) before clinching the national championship title in 2006.

    The anniversary concert featured nostalgic recollections from founding member Farzan Ali and former leaders Sharon Beharry (1985-86), Keith Dalip (1987-90), and Miguel Browne (1999-2024). They shared anecdotes about the group’s adventures traveling to the Paramin festival, the challenges of convoy transportation, and their commitment to ensuring all members returned safely after late-night performances.

    Musical highlights included performances of the group’s greatest hits from their four albums: ‘Mi Parranda’ (2003), ‘Vamos A Celebrar’ (2005), ‘Parranda Ta Nos’ (2010), and ‘Nuestra Canción’ (2025). The setlist blended original compositions like ‘Canta’ and ‘Recordemos’ with tributes to parang legends Gloria Alcazar, Henry Periera, and the Lara Brothers.

    The ceremony included the induction of five members into the group’s honor roll: Keisha Mark, Camivel Cova, Jerry Ramdass, Brandon Akai, and Khadine Bovell. Special recognition awards were presented to Tony Narine for 29 years of sound system support and retired principal’s assistant Elizabeth McComie for her instrumental role in securing the group’s presence at major campus events. Longest-serving members Miguel Browne (41 years) and Desdra Bascombe (40 years) received distinctive honors for their enduring dedication.

  • Ken Renard – Trinidad and Tobago’s most successful actor

    Ken Renard – Trinidad and Tobago’s most successful actor

    Despite achieving near-total obscurity in his native Trinidad and Tobago, Kenneth Renwick (1907-1993), professionally known as Ken Renard, forged one of the most remarkable and prolonged acting careers among Caribbean-born performers. His journey from tire retreading laborer in Harlem to celebrated Broadway and Hollywood actor represents an extraordinary narrative of artistic perseverance amid racial barriers.

    Renard’s immigration records confirm his 1923 arrival in the United States from Port of Spain, where he initially worked in industrial jobs before discovering theater. His breakthrough came during the twilight of the Harlem Renaissance, performing with the Lafayette Theatre’s productions of ‘Sailor Beware’ and ‘The Front Page’ in 1935. This led to his involvement with the historically significant Federal Theatre Project, where he performed under Orson Welles’ direction in the legendary ‘Voodoo Macbeth’ (1936) and was cast as Emperor Haile Selassie in the controversially canceled ‘Ethiopia’ production.

    His career trajectory defied racial conventions of the era, transitioning from Harlem stages to Broadway productions throughout the 1940s-50s, including Jean-Paul Sartre’s ‘The Reluctant Prostitute.’ Renard simultaneously established himself in radio dramas for major networks like CBS and NBC before breaking into cinema with black-cast musicals like ‘Murder with Music’ (1948).

    Renard’s cinematic significance culminated in his dignified portrayal of Haitian revolutionary leader Toussaint Louverture in ‘Lydia Bailey’ (1952), marking his transition to substantial Hollywood roles. Throughout the 1960s-80s, he appeared alongside icons including Sidney Poitier (as his father in ‘Something of Value’), Jane Fonda, and Marlon Brando while accumulating over twenty film credits and dozens of television appearances. His versatility shone through westerns (‘Bonanza’, ‘The Virginian’), legal dramas (‘Perry Mason’), espionage thrillers (‘Mission: Impossible’), and science fiction (‘The Outer Limits’).

    Despite confronting limited opportunities for Black actors—noted in his 1960 interview with The New Pittsburgh Courier—Renard mastered diverse ethnic roles including Latin, Native American, and African characters. His legacy remains preserved at the California African American Museum in Los Angeles, housing photographs, theater programs, and personal memorabilia from his groundbreaking six-decade career. The single word engraved on his Los Angeles gravesite—’ACTOR’—encapsulates the identity he forged through relentless artistic dedication.