Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Sobers: PM is ‘on top of things’

    Sobers: PM is ‘on top of things’

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers has vigorously defended Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar against allegations of inadequate leadership following the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Speaking at a press conference at UNC headquarters in Chaguanas on January 4, Sobers asserted the Prime Minister remains fully engaged and in control of the situation despite her absence from public addresses.

    The minister confirmed that US military forces executed a precision operation in Caracas at approximately 2:00 AM on January 3, extracting Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores to face trial in New York on multiple criminal charges including narcotics trafficking. The mission reportedly involved Delta Force operatives and was months in planning with CIA coordination.

    Sobers emphasized Trinidad and Tobago’s non-involvement in the extraction operation while reaffirming the nation’s continued support for the Venezuelan people during this transitional period. He dismissed suggestions that Venezuela considers Trinidad complicit in Maduro’s removal, stating diplomatic relations remain intact and all Trinidadian citizens in Venezuela have been accounted for.

    The minister highlighted strengthened US-Trinidad security cooperation, referencing November meetings between Persad-Bissessar and US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, joint military exercises with US Marines, and the installation of anti-narcotics radar systems at ANR Robinson International Airport. Sobers credited these collaborations with significantly reducing crime rates through combined US intervention and the Prime Minister’s strategic vision.

    Addressing concerns about transparency, Sobers maintained the government handles the evolving Venezuela situation with necessary discretion through the National Security Council, which the Prime Minister chairs. He defended the administration’s diplomatic approach to US-Venezuela tensions and dismissed criticisms about the press conference location at party headquarters rather than government facilities.

  • IR expert: Trump cannot run Venezuela

    IR expert: Trump cannot run Venezuela

    International relations specialist Anthony Bryan has categorically rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that the United States would directly govern Venezuela following the military extraction of President Nicolás Maduro. The operation, conducted by U.S. forces in the early hours of January 3rd, resulted in Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores being removed from a fortified compound in Caracas.

    During a press briefing at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump declared that the U.S. would assume control of Venezuela’s administration and leverage its substantial oil reserves for international trade. However, the President provided no detailed explanation regarding the mechanics of this proposed governance structure or the composition of any transitional administration.

    Bryan, who serves as co-chairman of the Caribbean Policy Consortium, countered through WhatsApp communications on January 4th that “Trump cannot run Venezuela. Maduro is gone but the power structure in Venezuela remains.” The expert emphasized that constitutional succession had already occurred with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assuming the presidency following Maduro’s capture.

    Trump acknowledged that Rodríguez had been sworn in as interim leader and had engaged in discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicating her cooperation. However, the President simultaneously expressed skepticism about Rodríguez or any Maduro administration figures retaining power long-term.

    The U.S. leader also cast doubt on exiled opposition figure María Corina Machado’s potential involvement in any interim government, questioning her domestic support and respect within Venezuela. Trump promised imminent announcements regarding American designees who would ensure the country’s proper management.

    This development follows Bryan’s November expressed hope for diplomatic resolution between the two nations—a prospect Trump now claims Maduro squandered through missed opportunities. The President additionally asserted that American energy corporations would enter Venezuela to rehabilitate infrastructure and generate national revenue, with promised reimbursements for those economically impacted under Maduro’s regime.

  • Lee warns against squatting in HDC properties

    Lee warns against squatting in HDC properties

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Housing Minister David Lee has issued a stern warning against squatting in government-subsidized housing properties, declaring such actions will face zero tolerance from authorities. The minister’s comments came during a January 4 press conference at the UNC headquarters in Chaguanas, where he addressed growing concerns about unauthorized occupation of Housing Development Corporation (HDC) units.

    The crackdown follows a recent incident in Corinth where a family who had made payments for an HDC home discovered strangers attempting to occupy their property weeks before they were scheduled to receive keys. The couple filed an official police report on December 29 after being alerted to the unauthorized entry at their Riverside South townhouse near San Fernando.

    Minister Lee revealed that similar squatting attempts have emerged across multiple HDC settlements, including areas within his Caroni Central constituency. He strongly contested previous statements by former housing minister Camille Robinson-Regis suggesting the UNC administration permitted such activities. Lee emphasized that HDC chairman Feeroz Khan had never endorsed squatting in government housing.

    Producing documented evidence of squatting cases within HDC files, Lee asserted that neither he, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, nor the HDC would tolerate such ‘lawlessness.’ He warned potential squatters that law enforcement and HDC security divisions would collaborate to ensure only legally entitled occupants reside in government properties.

    Simultaneously, HDC chairman Khan disclosed significant financial challenges within the corporation, including over $600 million in outstanding payments to contractors. Khan criticized previous construction management practices under the PNM administration, alleging that houses worth approximately $500,000 were being constructed at costs nearing $2 million each. He claimed this benefited PNM associates and financiers while costing taxpayers millions in overpayments to contractors, including one instance of a $10 million overpayment.

    Despite these challenges, Khan assured the public that HDC has developed a recovery plan that includes increasing affordable housing production to bridge the gap between housing demand and availability.

  • Keshorn Walcott pressure-free in 2026, hunts career-capping distance

    Keshorn Walcott pressure-free in 2026, hunts career-capping distance

    Trinidad and Tobago’s javelin legend Keshorn Walcott approaches the 2026 athletic season liberated from competitive pressures, having cemented his legacy with a long-awaited World Championship gold in September 2025. The two-time Olympic medalist now focuses exclusively on achieving one monumental final throw that would permanently etch his name in athletic history.

    Walcott’s triumphant moment in Tokyo culminated a 13-year pursuit of world championship glory, adding the missing piece to a collection that includes Olympic gold from London 2012 and bronze from Rio 2016. This breakthrough has fundamentally transformed the athlete’s mentality as he prepares for his final competitive campaigns.

    “There’s no real pressure this year,” Walcott revealed. “I feel like I have accomplished everything possible in the sport. My goal is to conclude my career exactly as I began—simply enjoying the process while pursuing one extraordinary throw that the world will remember.”

    The Toco-born athlete has targeted surpassing the 90-meter barrier again, potentially reaching for a staggering 93-94 meter throw under ideal conditions. His personal best of 90.16m, achieved in Lausanne during 2015, remains the benchmark he aims to exceed. Walcott came remarkably close in 2021 with a 89.12m effort at Finland’s Paavo Nurmi Games that earned him silver.

    Walcott’s 2026 schedule includes strategic appearances at July’s Central American and Caribbean Games, the Commonwealth Games in July/August, select Diamond League events, and the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in September. This carefully curated competition calendar reflects his methodical approach to achieving peak performance when conditions align perfectly.

    The athlete attributes his recent success to collaboration with German biomechanics coach Klaus Bartonietz, whom he credits as the architect behind his World Championship victory. The 2025 season also saw Walcott launch his KW Sports and Rehabilitation Center in Woodbrook—his first business venture outside competition.

    Reflecting on his challenging journey to the world title, Walcott described 2025 as “a year of exhaustion, uncertainty and trust.” Balancing entrepreneurial ambitions with intensive training under a new coaching regime created immense physical and mental demands. Yet this rigorous process ultimately yielded the most perfect competitive outcome imaginable.

    The TT Olympic Committee recognized Walcott’s extraordinary year by naming him Sportsman of the Year at their December 29 awards ceremony. As he enters what may be his final competitive season, Walcott does so with unprecedented mental clarity and freedom—conditions he believes could produce the throw that defines not just his career, but the sport itself.

  • Guyana on alert after US attack on Venezuela

    Guyana on alert after US attack on Venezuela

    In the wake of a significant US military intervention in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, Guyana has initiated comprehensive security measures along its border regions. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali convened an emergency meeting with the Defence Board and national security leadership on January 3rd to address the escalating situation.

    The presidential office confirmed through official social media channels that Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips has been deployed to Region One, where he is currently coordinating with Guyana Defence Force personnel and police units stationed in border communities. This strategic movement aims to reinforce security preparedness amid the evolving crisis in neighboring Venezuela.

    The longstanding territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela over the Essequibo region has added complexity to the current geopolitical landscape. The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expressed grave concerns regarding the military actions, noting potential implications for regional stability during an emergency meeting of heads of government.

    Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has openly endorsed US military activities in the Southern Caribbean, distinguishing her position from other CARICOM leaders who advocate for maintaining the region as a zone of peace. Persad-Bissessar emphasized Trinidad and Tobago’s non-participation in the operations while maintaining peaceful relations with Venezuela, asserting that US protection remains essential for national security against external threats.

  • Carli Communications CEO helping Caribbean brands grow – Power of PR

    Carli Communications CEO helping Caribbean brands grow – Power of PR

    From her roots in Barataria to commanding the global public relations stage, Carla Williams Johnson has crafted an extraordinary journey that redefines Caribbean excellence in brand communications. The 44-year-old founder and CEO of Carli Communications has transformed childhood lessons in resilience and performance into a groundbreaking PR methodology that’s earning international recognition.

    Williams Johnson’s foundation was built in a middle-class household where education and self-reliance were paramount. Her mother, a nurse, and father, a quality assurance officer turned entrepreneur, instilled values that would later shape her business philosophy. “I grew up in the era of female independence,” she recalls, “when parents taught their girls not to have to depend on anyone.”

    Her early artistic pursuits with the Barataria Folk Performers—including representing Trinidad and Tobago at Carifesta V at just nine years old—and later calypso performances during her secondary school years, forged her understanding of audience connection. This performance background, combined with formal education in marketing, advertising, and business administration, created the perfect foundation for her future career.

    The sudden loss of her father in 2010 during her final year of studies became a pivotal moment that tested her resilience and ultimately reshaped her sense of purpose. It was his entrepreneurial spirit—evident in his establishment of DOffice Restaurant, Bar & Lounge—and his affectionate nickname “Carli” that would later become central to her brand identity.

    Williams Johnson’s professional breakthrough came while working with major soft drink brands, where she discovered the transformative power of strategic PR over traditional advertising. Facing a failing promotion despite significant paid advertising investment, she negotiated complimentary radio discussions and entertainment news coverage that skyrocketed sales. This epiphany revealed that “PR makes things more ‘real’… more truthful” and provides the trust factor that even major brands require.

    After leaving a toxic work environment in 2014, Williams Johnson identified a critical gap in the market: Caribbean brands struggling to gain international visibility while maintaining their authentic identity. She launched Carli Communications to provide “intentional visibility”—helping Caribbean brands position themselves with clarity, credibility, and confidence without compromising their cultural roots.

    Her innovative approach has earned features in HuffPost (2018), Forbes (2019, 2021), and Entrepreneur (2021), placing her among global leaders like Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg. Forbes specifically sought her expertise regarding the Will Smith incident at the 2021 Academy Awards, confirming her relevance in global conversations.

    The core of Williams Johnson’s philosophy revolves around “intentional visibility”—a strategic approach to being seen in the right places for the right reasons. She emphasizes that visibility without strategy often leads entrepreneurs, particularly women, to chase trends rather than build consistent credibility. “Intentional visibility is about alignment,” she explains. “It’s knowing your message, audience and long-term goals before you step into the spotlight.”

    As a mother of two children born 18 years apart, Williams Johnson has learned that balance is about “constant recalibration” rather than perfection. She extends this philosophy to her clients, encouraging women entrepreneurs to grow at their own pace and redefine success without guilt or apology.

    Her numerous accolades, including Public Relations Agency of the Year (2023-2025) and Most Empowering PR CEO (Caribbean) 2024, validate her innovative approach. For Williams Johnson, these awards confirm that her strategy of combining global standards with local understanding effectively positions Caribbean brands on the world stage while preserving their authentic identity.

  • UK-based Under-17 footballers ready to fight for Trinidad and Tobago badge

    UK-based Under-17 footballers ready to fight for Trinidad and Tobago badge

    With the 2026 CONCACAF Under-17 Men’s Qualifiers approaching, Trinidad and Tobago’s coaching staff faces formidable selection challenges as they evaluate over 40 prospects for the final squad. Head coach Randolph Boyce must finalize his roster before TT’s opening match against Barbados in February.

    Among the standout candidates are three England-based talents: Reading FC’s Kayden Bancey, Crystal Palace U-15 player Jashaun Christmas, and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Tate Ormonde. The trio has been training alongside domestic prospects at a intensive residential camp at Couva’s Ato Boldon Stadium over the past fortnight.

    Bancey, qualifying through his Trinidadian mother and grandmother, brings creative attacking midfield capabilities. “Playing as a central attacking midfielder, I believe I can contribute more goals or create different scoring opportunities,” the 15-year-old stated in a TTFA media release. “Representing your country is an honor—that alone constitutes a significant achievement.”

    TT finds itself in Group A alongside Barbados, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, and tournament favorites Mexico. The stakes are exceptionally high: only the group winner will advance to the 2026 U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

    Christmas draws inspiration from Crystal Palace teammate Rio Cardines, who progressed through TT’s youth system to become a senior national team regular. “Watching him excel for his country motivates me to improve,” Christmas remarked. “Making my family proud and representing at higher levels would undoubtedly enhance my development upon returning to academy football.”

    Ormonde, primarily a right-back with midfield versatility, described the camp as “tough and really intense” but invaluable for his development. “The players push me to my limits, and I believe this daily challenge is making me a better athlete,” he noted, while acknowledging the competitive yet welcoming environment among local players.

    TT’s qualification campaign runs from February 3-12 at Mucurapo’s Hasely Crawford Stadium, culminating with a decisive match against Mexico on February 12.

  • Venezuela denounces US attack, seeks info on Maduro

    Venezuela denounces US attack, seeks info on Maduro

    Venezuela has entered a severe constitutional crisis following what government officials describe as a direct military assault by United States forces on January 3rd. The operation reportedly resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores from a fortified residence within Caracas’ main military garrison, Fort Tiuna.

    In an urgent televised address, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez declared the administration has lost all contact with the captured leaders and formally demanded that Washington provide ‘immediate proof of life’ while revealing their current whereabouts. The government statement characterized the incident as an ‘extremely serious military aggression’ targeting both civilian and military locations, resulting in casualties.

    Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López confirmed aerial strikes hit populated areas and stated authorities are currently compiling casualty figures. He vowed the nation would ‘resist any foreign military presence,’ framing the operation as an imperialist resource grab aimed at seizing Venezuela’s vast oil and mineral reserves and breaking the country’s political sovereignty.

    Simultaneously, US Attorney General Pam Bondi unveiled a comprehensive indictment from the Southern District of New York, charging Maduro and Flores with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and other related crimes. Bondi released the previously sealed indictment on social media, labeling the couple ‘alleged international narco traffickers’ who would face the ‘full wrath of American justice.’

    According to operational reports, the captured leaders were transported via US military helicopter to an awaiting naval vessel following their extraction from the military base. The event marks an unprecedented escalation in the long-standing tensions between the two nations, raising immediate concerns about regional stability and international law.

  • Nicole Dyer-Griffith launches support centre – Helping hand for cancer patients

    Nicole Dyer-Griffith launches support centre – Helping hand for cancer patients

    Former senator Nicole Dyer-Griffith, having triumphed over stage three breast cancer and subsequent stage four metastasis to her brain, has channeled her personal medical journey into creating The Healing Hub Patient Navigation and Advocacy Centre. The initiative, which held its soft launch at her Maraval residence on December 20, embodies a philosophy of intimate, human-centered care that stands in stark contrast to institutional medical environments.

    Dyer-Griffith’s inspiration emerged from the overwhelming public response to her social media disclosures about her 2024 cancer diagnosis. While preparing for the O2N Foundation’s fashion event, she received her diagnosis but demonstrated remarkable resilience by walking the runway shortly thereafter as ‘a visual demonstration of faith.’ Her online vulnerability generated thousands of messages across platforms, revealing a critical gap in patient support systems.

    This organic outreach evolved into a moderated WhatsApp support group that now serves over 160 active members. The digital platform provides daily interaction and scientific information sharing, though membership is currently capped to maintain quality engagement. Dyer-Griffith, a qualified nurse, emphasizes the initiative’s patient-driven nature: ‘Every day you answer a question for someone, provide information or support for someone, is a day that you have impacted a life.’

    During her outreach, Dyer-Griffith discovered alarming gaps in basic cancer awareness, with many women unfamiliar with mammograms despite managing complex lives. She describes the ’emotional vortex’ that follows diagnosis, where patients face overwhelming advice and information without adequate mental health protection.

    The Healing Hub has garnered significant institutional support. Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jeanine St Bernard endorsed the initiative as ‘compassionate, patient-centred and empowering,’ noting it addresses critical gaps in emotional support, system navigation, and financial guidance that complement clinical care. Oncoplastic surgeon Dr. Lyronne Olivier praised the unique perspective of patient-led support, acknowledging it has enhanced his empathy and patient care approach.

    With plans to establish a physical facility in 2026 estimated at $2 million, The Healing Hub aims to provide free services recognizing the financial burdens cancer patients face. Dyer-Griffith revealed her own moment of defeat came when facing $40,000 monthly medication costs, questioning how ordinary people afford treatment. She advocates for pharmaceutical companies to balance profit motives with advocacy funding and partnership support.

    The initiative currently employs two trained patient navigation specialists with plans to expand to seven professionals, ensuring comprehensive support when the physical center launches. Dyer-Griffith remains driven by her conviction: ‘If you are not placed on this earth to positively impact the lives of people, then what’s the point?’

  • Norman’s Windball Cricket knockout resumes on January 3

    Norman’s Windball Cricket knockout resumes on January 3

    Cricket enthusiasts in Tacarigua are set for an exhilarating weekend as the Norman’s Windball Cricket League recommences its competitive action on January 3rd. The Buggy Haynes Recreation Ground will serve as the battleground for both best of the rest and premier division knockout matches, marking a pivotal phase in the tournament’s progression.

    The day’s schedule commences at 12:30 PM with Allegiance squaring off against D Crushers in a round-of-16 encounter within the best of the rest category. The victorious team will advance directly to quarter-final competition against Tacarigua Recruits at 2:00 PM. The afternoon’s proceedings will culminate with a premier division round-of-16 showdown between Moondogs and More Fire International.

    January 4th will witness the continuation of premier division knockout battles beginning at 9:30 AM as Poison Sports confront Savannah Boys. Subsequent matches feature CSK versus Cheers Anthrax at 11:30 AM, followed by Supersonic taking on Hit & Run at 1:15 PM. The day’s final encounter at 3:00 PM will see defending champions Acono Sauce Team testing their mettle against Caparo Warriors in what promises to be a gripping contest.

    The tournament structure extends beyond the current weekend with Over-40 quarter-finals scheduled for the following weekend. With over $100,000 in total prize money distributed across all divisions, the competition maintains significant financial incentives for participating teams. The league championship is projected to reach its conclusion by the end of January, maintaining intense anticipation among players and spectators alike.