Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Former PNM MP Eddie Hart dies

    Former PNM MP Eddie Hart dies

    The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is mourning the loss of Edward “Eddie” Hart, former Member of Parliament for Tunapuna and distinguished public servant, who passed away recently. The People’s National Movement (PNM) confirmed his death in an official statement dated December 4, expressing profound sorrow at the departure of what they characterized as a lifelong champion of community development and youth empowerment.

    Hart’s political career spanned approximately 16 years, during which he secured electoral victory in the Tunapuna constituency on four separate occasions. His parliamentary service included representation in the 4th, 5th, 7th, and 8th Republican Parliaments, where he held multiple ministerial positions. His portfolio encompassed significant responsibilities as parliamentary secretary and minister of state across various ministries including Health, Sport and Youth Affairs, Community Development, Culture, Gender Affairs, and Tourism.

    Beyond his legislative accomplishments, Hart established an enduring legacy through grassroots initiatives. He founded both the Hart Connection and the Eddie Hart Football League, organizations that provided critical support structures and developmental opportunities for young residents of Tunapuna for over forty years. These institutions became cornerstones of community engagement and youth sports development.

    Hart’s exemplary service received formal recognition through prestigious honors, including the PNM’s Dr. Eric Williams Medal of Honour in 2019 and an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from the University of Trinidad and Tobago in 2020.

    PNM General Secretary Foster Cummings extended official condolences to Hart’s family, friends, and constituents, emphasizing that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations. The tribute was echoed by former Prime Minister Stuart Young, SC, who honored Hart as both a “PNM stalwart and patriot” whose life’s work remained consistently dedicated to national betterment, with particular focus on the development of his beloved Tunapuna community.

  • Near-death experience leads singer to music, God

    Near-death experience leads singer to music, God

    A profound spiritual awakening emerged from the brink of mortality for Trinidadian gospel artist Samuel George, whose medical crisis became the catalyst for both his religious devotion and musical career. The 28-year-old Aranguez native recently unveiled his newest single “Early in the Morning” on January 2nd, marking the latest milestone in an extraordinary journey that began with a life-threatening battle against pneumonia in 2024.

    During his three-day hospitalization, George experienced severe physical limitations that prevented him from swallowing solid food and could only consume minimal fluids. This medical emergency triggered an existential reckoning as he confronted the apparent absence of purpose in his life despite previous explorations through football, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts.

    “I refused to accept that my life would end without meaningful contribution,” George recalled during an exclusive interview. His desperate plea for a second chance at life was answered through an unexpected medium: divinely inspired music that began manifesting in his consciousness during recovery.

    Without any formal musical training, George suddenly found himself hearing complete compositions in his mind—melodies, harmonies, and rhythmic patterns that would form the foundation of his debut single “Lord You Break Barriers” in April 2024. This initial effort was developed with guidance from established gospel musicians including Jaron Nurse, Blessed Messenger, and David Barker of Ten Strings Media.

    George has since developed a distinctive musical signature by blending Trinidad’s indigenous soca rhythms with gospel messaging. His discography now includes six compositions spanning four gospelypso tracks and two worship songs. His latest work incorporates what he describes as “infectious, joyful rhythms of soca with a core message of faithful devotion,” specifically emphasizing the spiritual importance of beginning each day with prayerful dedication.

    “Choosing to pray early represents actively prioritizing our relationship with God before worldly distractions intervene,” George explained. “This sacred practice allows us to exchange anxiety for peace, confusion for direction, and weakness for strength.”

    The artist’s work has garnered positive reception across generational lines within religious communities. George attributes his creative process to quiet moments of worship during which he receives musical inspiration that later surfaces throughout his daily activities.

    Looking beyond music, George aspires to expand his ministry through evangelical work in churches, schools, and other venues. He offered pointed commentary on Trinidad and Tobago’s social landscape, suggesting that many leaders “rely on their own understanding rather than recognizing God as the solution to our chaotic state.”

    For individuals experiencing hopelessness, George emphasized: “Your value isn’t diminished because others fail to recognize it. God sees your worth even when you cannot. I encourage people to seek divine perspective on their identity and purpose.”

    The artist ultimately aims to propagate messages of hope through diverse musical genres while potentially traveling internationally to share transformative spiritual experiences with global audiences.

  • Ministry: Toll increase will not affect maxi taxis immediately

    Ministry: Toll increase will not affect maxi taxis immediately

    The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has clarified that the recently implemented toll rate increases will not immediately impact maxi taxi operators across Trinidad and Tobago. This temporary exemption stems from the fact that approximately 1,000 operators completed their vehicle renewals in October 2025, securing their operational status for the entire 2026 period. Consequently, the adjusted toll rates will only become effective for these public transport providers during their next renewal cycle in October 2027.

    The policy clarification follows a productive December 30 meeting between Transport Minister Eli Zakour, ministry officials, and leadership of the Route 2 Maxi Taxi Association, including president Brenton Knights. The discussions focused on addressing various challenges within the public transportation sector while maintaining service affordability.

    Association president Knights confirmed the cordial nature of the discussions, explicitly stating that no fare increases are currently planned. ‘We are maintaining a watchful position regarding the evolving economic climate,’ Knights told Newsday. ‘With several financial factors emerging throughout the coming year, we believe in making informed decisions based on actual economic impacts rather than speculation.’

    Knights emphasized the shared economic realities facing both operators and passengers: ‘Our drivers are equally affected by rising living costs, educational expenses, and regulatory fines. We navigate the same economic pressures as all citizens while providing essential transportation services.’

    The ministry’s statement specifically addressed circulating misinformation, confirming the association’s position that no fare increase decision has been made. Officials reiterated that the toll adjustment—which increases daily rates from $3 to $6 after decades without change—provides no justification for fare increases, especially given the delayed implementation for maxi taxis.

    The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative work with transport associations and stakeholders to maintain a stable, fair, and efficient public transportation system that balances operator sustainability with public affordability.

  • Don’t die before you are dead – live fully for 2026

    Don’t die before you are dead – live fully for 2026

    As we enter 2026, psychologist Dr. Margaret Nakhid-Chatoor presents a profound reflection on the dualities of human existence, emphasizing that true living involves embracing both joy and sorrow, triumph and failure. The new year represents an opportunity for personal renewal, yet for many, it evokes complex emotions ranging from hopeful anticipation to profound despair and isolation.

    The poignant phrase “Don’t die before you’re dead” serves as a powerful manifesto against emotional surrender, urging individuals to actively choose purposeful living despite life’s inevitable challenges. Dr. Nakhid-Chatoor emphasizes that genuine well-being transcends mere avoidance of mental health crises, requiring instead the conscious cultivation of resilience, meaningful connections, and daily courageous choices.

    Drawing from Viktor Frankl’s profound insights as a Holocaust survivor, the commentary highlights how humans can discover purpose even amidst unimaginable suffering. Frankl’s observations from concentration camps revealed that those who found meaning demonstrated greater resilience and maintained their humanity under extreme conditions.

    The analysis addresses contemporary mental health challenges, particularly noting how social media platforms can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and negative self-perception through constant exposure to curated perfection. Dr. Nakhid-Chatoor recommends mindful social media usage and prioritization of authentic, face-to-face relationships.

    The new year offers a metaphorical blank canvas for personal transformation, encouraging active engagement with life rather than passive endurance. The psychologist advocates for conscious awareness of emotional numbness and deliberate reconnection with personal values and meaningful relationships.

    Ultimately, the message affirms the inherent value of each individual’s life and the transformative power of choosing one’s response to suffering. This choice represents the fundamental difference between merely existing and truly living—where endurance becomes courage, pain transforms into wisdom, and isolation evolves into genuine connection.

    The commentary concludes with an inspirational charge for 2026: to choose courage over fear, connection over isolation, and meaning over emptiness, carrying Frankl’s enduring wisdom into the new year.

  • Miss Central Trinidad delegates to make positive difference in society

    Miss Central Trinidad delegates to make positive difference in society

    The Miss Central Trinidad Queen Pageant for 2026 is actively recruiting participants who demonstrate not only beauty and confidence but also a genuine commitment to societal improvement. Coordinator Marcia Merrick-Mohamed, a former titleholder herself, emphasizes that the competition seeks intellectually bright women aged 18-29 who aspire to create meaningful community impact beyond merely winning a crown.

    The preliminary screening event occurred on January 3 at Lisas Gardens Community Centre in Couva, where organizers evaluated potential delegates for the upcoming pageant. As the centerpiece of the Couva Carnival Committee’s six-day festivities, this annual event offers more than just prestigious titles. Participants will contend for multiple specialty awards including Best Gown, Best Costume, Miss Intelligent, People’s Choice (determined through online voting), and Miss Photogenic (selected by media photographers).

    Merrick-Mohamed is actively seeking additional corporate sponsors to enhance the event’s production quality and community outreach. While Sacha Cosmetics has already confirmed continued support for the 2026 edition, organizers encourage other businesses to join this community-focused initiative. Notably, the pageant maintains free public admission, reflecting the committee’s dedication to providing accessible, family-friendly entertainment while fostering a secure environment for all attendees. Final contestant selections will be finalized within the coming week.

  • Playwrights Workshop starts monthly series on January 7

    Playwrights Workshop starts monthly series on January 7

    The Playwrights Workshop of Trinbago (PWT) will inaugurate its 2026 monthly readers theatre series with a special presentation featuring foundational member and accomplished playwright Judith Theodore. The season opener will showcase cold readings of Theodore’s two distinctive works: ‘Don’t Be Late’ and ‘The Big Debate’ on January 7 at the Trinidad Theatre Workshop in Port of Spain.

    ‘Don’t Be Late’ presents a comedic examination of personality conflicts, focusing on the dynamic between an extremely punctual individual and someone who operates on their own schedule. The contrasting characters create a humorous exploration of human behavior and social expectations.

    The second work, ‘The Big Debate,’ transports audiences to a Scarborough guest house on Carnival Tuesday morning. Through the perspective of two maids going about their duties, the play captures the linguistic artistry of Speech Bands performers engaging in traditional verbal battles. The narrative cleverly incorporates the real-life controversy surrounding Sir Elton John’s scheduled performance at a Tobago jazz event, using this folk art form to examine the clash between religious leaders and event promoters.

    Theodore brings decades of artistic expertise to these works, having begun her career as a dancer with the Repertory Dance Company under Astor Johnson before transitioning to acting in theater, film, and television. Her credits include performances in ‘One of our Sons is Missing,’ ‘Belle Fanto,’ and the popular local series ‘Westwood Park.’

    The playwright has honed her craft through prestigious workshops including the Cropper Foundation Residential Writing Workshop and the Trinity-in-Trinidad Playwright Workshop with the late Tony Hall. Her literary accomplishments extend beyond theater with published short stories in ‘Trinidad Noir’ and ‘Sixteen,’ plus her own anthology ‘Told by the River.’

    The monthly series, held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 pm, continues its mission of providing playwrights with opportunities to hear their scripts performed aloud and receive valuable audience feedback. Admission to the January 7 event is free, offering public access to these cultural works.

  • Minority Leader on TPP’s Blueprint: ‘It’s pure desperation’

    Minority Leader on TPP’s Blueprint: ‘It’s pure desperation’

    Tobago’s political landscape is embroiled in intense debate as the Tobago People’s Party (TPP) unveils its comprehensive 20-year development strategy, drawing sharp criticism from political opponents just days before the crucial Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election on January 12.

    TPP political leader Farley Augustine presented the ambitious blueprint during a January 1 event at Uptown Fascinators pan tent in Scarborough. The extensive document, scheduled for official publication on January 5, outlines strategic initiatives spanning constitutional authority, tourism enhancement, healthcare delivery, and public sector modernization through 2045, with specific focus on the 2026-2030 implementation period.

    However, THA Minority Leader Kelvon Morris launched a scathing attack on the proposal, characterizing it as “pure desperation” from a party facing imminent electoral defeat. In a WhatsApp interview with Newsday, Morris asserted that the TPP had hastily assembled a document built upon “lies, recycled failures and empty promises” while shamelessly appropriating policies from the PNM’s Big Bold Red initiative launched December 21, 2024, at Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort.

    Morris, who is contesting the Darrel Spring/Whim electoral district, further intensified his criticism by labeling the TPP as essentially a satellite organization of the United National Congress (UNC), accusing its leadership of remaining conspicuously silent while Tobagonians faced job losses and economic hardships. He specifically referenced alleged abuses of contract workers and ignored industrial court rulings by the current administration.

    The Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce has adopted a more measured stance regarding both development plans. President Curtis Williams acknowledged both blueprints as “ambitious and exciting visions for Tobago’s future” while emphasizing that implementation effectiveness would ultimately determine their success. Williams stressed that transparency, accountability, and meaningful stakeholder engagement must remain central to any development agenda, particularly regarding decision-making authority, procurement processes, and financing mechanisms.

    The Chamber president confirmed their organization’s readiness to collaboratively engage with whichever party assumes governance while maintaining vigilant oversight regarding actionable timelines and measurable outcomes to ensure campaign promises translate into tangible economic progress for Tobago’s business community and general population.

  • Valencia woman shot dead

    Valencia woman shot dead

    A fatal ambush in Valencia has claimed the life of 52-year-old Nancy Almarales, who was shot dead while traveling in a private hire vehicle during the early hours of January 4. The incident occurred as Almarales was returning to her Clarence Trace residence to retrieve an item.

    According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary police reports, unidentified gunmen opened fire on the vehicle, unleashing a barrage of bullets that struck both occupants. Despite the sustained attack, the driver demonstrated remarkable presence of mind by maneuvering the damaged vehicle to the nearby Valencia Police Post, where he ultimately collided with the station’s perimeter wall.

    Law enforcement personnel responding to the crash discovered both individuals with critical injuries. The driver managed to relay details of the ambush to officers before losing consciousness. Emergency medical services transported him to a medical facility where he remains under treatment, currently listed in stable condition. Tragically, Almarales succumbed to her injuries at the scene despite attempts to save her.

    Family members revealed to news outlets that Almarales had been pursuing entry into the quarrying industry, reportedly forming a business partnership with a prominent attorney from the Sangre Grande region. Relatives disclosed they had previously expressed concerns about her involvement in this sector, citing specific death threats she allegedly received from rival quarry operators in December.

    This tragedy marks the latest chapter in a series of violent incidents affecting Almarales’ family. Her common-law husband, Sherwin Coxall, was fatally shot on June 11, 2024, in St Albans Village, Valencia. The pattern of violence continued with the murder of her brother-in-law, Devon Coxall, who was killed at his Williams Trace Extension residence on May 31, 2025. Local authorities are investigating potential connections between these incidents and the recent attack.

  • Pope: Put people first in Venezuela

    Pope: Put people first in Venezuela

    In a significant diplomatic intervention, Pope Leo XIV has issued a heartfelt appeal for peace and stability in Venezuela through his official social media channels. The pontiff utilized both X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook on January 4th to express his profound concern regarding the escalating political situation in the South American nation.

    The Pope’s message emphasized that the welfare of Venezuelan citizens must take precedence above all other considerations. His Holiness articulated a clear vision for conflict resolution, advocating for the immediate cessation of violence and the pursuit of justice through peaceful means. The comprehensive address, available through digital platforms, further elaborated on essential prerequisites for national reconciliation.

    Leo XIV specifically highlighted the critical importance of preserving Venezuela’s constitutional sovereignty and maintaining the established rule of law. He stressed the necessity of safeguarding fundamental human rights and civil liberties for all citizens without exception. The pontiff particularly drew attention to the nation’s most vulnerable populations, who continue to endure severe economic hardships.

    The spiritual leader concluded his appeal with a call for collective prayer, invoking the intercession of Venezuelan saints—Our Lady of Coromoto, José Gregorio Hernández, and Carmen Rendiles—both canonized during his papacy. This religious dimension underscores the Vatican’s deep commitment to both spiritual and practical resolution of the ongoing crisis.

  • Beckles: Where is Kamla?

    Beckles: Where is Kamla?

    Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has launched a scathing critique against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s conspicuous absence from an official press conference addressing escalating regional security tensions. The January 4 briefing, attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers and Housing Minister David Lee, occurred amid heightened geopolitical instability following the US military’s interception of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the positioning of American naval assets in the southern Caribbean, including radar installations within Trinidad and Tobago’s territory.

    Beckles questioned the Prime Minister’s leadership through an online statement, asserting that the nation rightfully expected her presence during a period of international crisis. She characterized the government’s communication effort as fundamentally inadequate, noting that attending ministers appeared unprepared to address critical national security concerns. Instead, Beckles alleged, the conference devolved into discussions about Housing Development Corporation (HDC) matters—a diversion she labeled as frivolous political rhetoric.

    The Opposition Leader detailed specific failures during the briefing, highlighting Minister Sobers’ contradictory statements regarding both the venue selection and his participation in the National Security Council. His assertion that the Prime Minister need not address the nation because ‘no one in Trinidad feels unsafe’ drew particular criticism from Beckles, who emphasized the public’s right to transparency regarding airport operations, flight disruptions, and security cordons in Port of Spain.

    Beckles further challenged the government’s position on CARICOM relations, its engagement with the Tobago House of Assembly on security matters, and its adherence to international law under the UN Charter. The conference concluded abruptly when Minister Lee terminated the session without accommodating further media inquiries, leaving multiple questions about governmental coordination and leadership unanswered.

    In her closing remarks, Beckles contrasted Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s absence with the public engagements of other world leaders, including Barbados’ Mia Mottley, Guyana’s Irfaan Ali, and former US President Donald Trump, questioning why Trinidad and Tobago’s leadership remained unavailable during a definitive moment for national and regional security.