Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Coco Velvet International appoints Stephanie Sirju as GM

    Coco Velvet International appoints Stephanie Sirju as GM

    Coco Velvet International Fashion & Model Management has undergone a significant leadership restructuring following the severe health deterioration of its founder, Christopher Nathan. The company has officially appointed Stephanie Sirju as its new General Manager and Fashion Director, effective immediately.

    In an emotional media release, Nathan disclosed his recent diagnosis of metastasized prostate cancer that has aggressively spread to multiple areas including his groin, spine, and ribs. The condition has resulted in paralysis from the chest downward, rendering him unable to continue his operational duties. “I am no longer able to work. I am actually paralysed from my chest down,” Nathan stated in the official communication.

    The succession plan brings Sirju, a University of Hawaii fashion program graduate, to the forefront of the organization. Despite the leadership change, Nathan will maintain ownership and continue serving as a consultant, providing guidance from behind the scenes during this transitional period.

    The company has assured clients and stakeholders that all services will continue uninterrupted across both divisions. The fashion management division continues to offer comprehensive support including event management, project coordination, lookbook production, and fashion shoot supervision for editorials, catalogues, magazine features, and digital platforms. Additionally, the company remains active in fashion show production, while the model management division continues its operations without disruption.

    Nathan emphasized that this strategic succession ensures the company’s continuity under new leadership while maintaining its established standards and service quality.

  • Barrackpore West stamp authority in boys’ U-17 volleyball

    Barrackpore West stamp authority in boys’ U-17 volleyball

    Barrackpore West Secondary School demonstrated remarkable volleyball prowess on January 23rd, securing three consecutive victories in the Secondary Schools Volleyball League’s Under-17 boys’ division at Pleasantville Indoor Sporting Arena. The reigning Under-15 champions from last season transitioned seamlessly to the higher age bracket, overwhelming opponents with strategic precision and athletic excellence.

    The team’s commanding performance began with a hard-fought triumph against ASJA Boys’ College San Fernando. After dropping a tightly contested opening set 23-25, Barrackpore mounted a spectacular comeback, taking the subsequent sets 25-15 and 15-6. Their momentum continued with identical 25-19, 25-14 scorelines against both Fatima College and Naparima College, showcasing consistent dominance across multiple matches.

    Fatima College recovered impressively from their defeat to Barrackpore, securing two victories of their own. They overcame ASJA in a competitive encounter with scores of 25-23 and 25-20, followed by another solid performance against Naparima College, prevailing 25-17 and 25-21.

    Naparima College avoided a complete shutout by claiming a dramatic three-set victory against ASJA. After splitting the first two sets (25-15, 22-25), the Lewis Street squad from San Fernando clinched the decisive third set 15-13 in a nail-biting finish.

    The SSVL competition was scheduled to resume at Aranguez North Secondary School on January 25th, featuring matches in the girls’ Under-17 and boys’ open categories.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Tuesday January 27th 2026

    Trinidad and Tobago Newsday – Tuesday January 27th 2026

    The global dietary supplement market is facing renewed critical examination as health experts and regulatory bodies call for greater transparency and scientific validation of product claims. This multi-billion dollar industry, which encompasses everything from vitamins and minerals to herbal extracts and performance enhancers, operates within a complex regulatory framework that often prioritizes commerce over conclusive clinical evidence.

    Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, supplements are not required to undergo rigorous pre-market approval for efficacy by agencies like the FDA. This regulatory gap has created a marketplace where bold health assertions frequently outpace substantiated scientific research. Current analyses reveal significant discrepancies between marketing materials and actual biochemical impacts, with many products demonstrating negligible effects in controlled studies.

    Medical professionals are increasingly warning consumers about potential risks including improper dosing, contamination with undeclared substances, and dangerous interactions with prescription medications. The absence of mandatory third-party testing has resulted in quality control issues across numerous product lines.

    Health organizations now recommend consulting healthcare providers before initiating any supplement regimen, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, chronically ill patients, and children. This cautionary approach highlights the growing consensus that while some supplements offer genuine benefits, many others provide expensive placebo effects at best, and potential health hazards at worst.

    The industry’s future likely hinges on implementing stricter manufacturing standards, enforcing accuracy in labeling claims, and conducting large-scale clinical trials to separate scientifically validated supplements from those merely capitalizing on wellness trends.

  • Energy Chamber chair promises review of STOW, governance

    Energy Chamber chair promises review of STOW, governance

    In a significant address at the 2026 TT Energy Conference held at Hyatt Regency on January 26, Energy Chamber chairperson Mala Baliraj announced comprehensive reviews of both the controversial Safe To Work (STOW) program and the organization’s governance framework. Baliraj committed to substantive changes following mounting criticism from both members and government officials.

    “We have committed to reflect, review and make changes as needed,” Baliraj stated during her opening remarks, acknowledging the STOW program had effectively created barriers for certain companies rather than enhancing safety standards as intended. She noted this concern had been consistently raised by membership and echoed in previous chamber addresses throughout 2025.

    The chairperson emphasized the chamber’s dedication to collaborative engagement with all stakeholders, particularly government entities. “Our intention is always to work towards a collaborative approach with all of our stakeholders,” she explained. “We hope to be able to reposition and create a space for open and structured engagement with the government that supports the best outcomes for the sector.”

    Regarding governance reforms, Baliraj highlighted the diverse composition of the chamber’s approximately 400 members, which range from global corporations to micro enterprises. She stressed the necessity of maintaining a transparent governance framework that prevents dominance by any particular interest group while reflecting the membership’s breadth.

    These announcements follow intense government criticism of the chamber’s operations. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar recently declared plans to boycott the conference, while Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal opted to attend the India Energy Conference instead. Minister Moonilal had previously condemned the STOW program at a January 22 post-Cabinet media conference, alleging the chamber was “holding businesses to ransom by having a monopoly on who can conduct business in the energy sector using health and safety as a strangling tool.”

    The TT Energy Conference continues through January 28, with these proposed reforms expected to dominate discussions among energy sector stakeholders.

  • Strengthening Tobago democracy strengthens nation

    Strengthening Tobago democracy strengthens nation

    Recent parliamentary deliberations on amendments to the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Act have sparked significant public discourse regarding governance quality and democratic legitimacy in Tobago. Prime Minister’s compelling arguments during the bill’s second reading emphasized the urgent necessity of these institutional reforms, positioning them as critical enhancements rather than mere political adjustments.

    The legislative revisions address fundamental structural mismatches created by Tobago’s evolving administrative landscape. Since the 2021 expansion increased Assembly membership from 17 to 20 representatives, governance responsibilities have substantially grown while executive frameworks remained stagnant. This discrepancy has generated operational strain across service delivery systems and democratic accountability mechanisms.

    Core amendments propose eliminating arbitrary limitations on Executive Council secretaries, enabling the Chief Secretary to allocate portfolios according to Tobago’s actual administrative requirements. With over thirty distinct responsibility areas enumerated in the act’s fifth schedule, specialized portfolio distribution emerges as essential for effective oversight and expertise development rather than bureaucratic expansion.

    Equally significant is the quorum elevation from nine to twelve members for official Assembly proceedings. This adjustment transcends technicalities by establishing stronger democratic foundations—preventing minority decision-making that binds Tobago’s entire population while reinforcing institutional credibility through broader consensus requirements.

    The reforms reflect Tobago’s evolving partnership within national development frameworks, evidenced through record budgetary allocations, economic initiatives supporting local industries, housing projects, and social infrastructure investments. Institutional modernization thus represents a logical progression toward meaningful self-governance, replacing outdated statutory constraints with capable, flexible structures.

    Despite potential criticisms regarding administrative expansion, these amendments respond to demonstrated increases in representation scope and governance complexity. Leadership responsibility necessitates aligning institutional capabilities with operational mandates to prevent systemic inefficiencies and oversight deterioration.

    These measured but impactful revisions signal profound respect for Tobago’s democratic mandate while fostering interregional unity through strengthened partnerships and enhanced governance efficacy.

  • Tameika Daniel crowned 2026 National Calypso Queen

    Tameika Daniel crowned 2026 National Calypso Queen

    In a stunning display of artistic excellence and social consciousness, Tameika Daniel emerged victorious as the 2026 National Calypso Queen during the prestigious competition held at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s on January 25. The talented performer captivated both judges and audience members with her profound commentary on contemporary societal issues, seamlessly blending powerful vocals with striking visual symbolism.

    Daniel’s stage presence was nothing short of transformative, adorned in an elegant flowing white gown complemented by traditional Zulu isicholo headwear and a dazzling navy-blue waterfall necklace that created an almost otherworldly aura. This deliberate cultural fusion served as a visual metaphor for the universal themes explored in her performance.

    Her championship-winning composition, titled ‘No Love,’ functioned as both artistic expression and social critique. The piece delivered a penetrating examination of modern society’s emotional deterioration, articulating how the cherished African proverb ‘it takes a village’ has been systematically replaced by destructive individualism. Daniel’s lyrics painted a compelling narrative of societal fragmentation, directly linking the disappearance of communal values to escalating crime rates and overall social decay.

    The competition showcased exceptional talent throughout, with Naomi Sinnette claiming second position through her remarkable performance, followed by Kerine ‘Tiny’ Williams-Figaro securing third place and Alana ‘Lady Watchman’ Sinnette-Khan achieving fourth place in the intensely competitive field.

    Beyond its musical merits, Daniel’s performance stood as a cultural manifesto—an urgent appeal for societal reconnection and emotional reawakening. Her artistry challenged citizens to rediscover compassion and collective responsibility, positioning cultural unity as the fundamental cornerstone for national progress and human dignity.

  • Sampson in, Evin Lewis out; WI pick squad for T20 World Cup

    Sampson in, Evin Lewis out; WI pick squad for T20 World Cup

    Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially announced its 15-player roster for the upcoming 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The selection, revealed through a digital presentation on January 26, features a blend of experienced campaigners and one surprising new face under the leadership of captain Shai Hope.

    The squad retains several key figures from the 2024 tournament campaign, including Test captain Roston Chase, spin specialists Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie, along with power hitters Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, and Romario Shepherd. The most conspicuous absence is explosive left-handed opener Evin Lewis, whose international future appears uncertain after he hinted at retirement via social media. Also missing from the lineup is recovering pace bowler Alzarri Joseph.

    The most debated selection is 25-year-old Guyanese batsman Quentin Sampson, who receives his maiden World Cup call-up despite a modest debut series against Afghanistan in January where he scored 30, 2, and 3 across three matches. Sampson’s inclusion represents coach Daren Sammy’s calculated gamble on emerging talent.

    Lewis, a veteran of 67 T20 internationals with 1,799 runs at a strike rate of 152.07, posted a cryptic message on Instagram suggesting his international career might be over: “Just wanna thank everyone who supported me in my ten years of international cricket, but I think the time has come for me to depart. Stay tuned.”

    The two-time champions have been drawn into Group C alongside England, Italy, Nepal, and Scotland, who replaced Bangladesh as a late tournament addition. The West Indies will commence their campaign against Scotland on February 7 at Kolkata’s historic Eden Gardens stadium.

  • High Court dismisses nurse’s sick leave lawsuit

    High Court dismisses nurse’s sick leave lawsuit

    In a landmark employment ruling, the Trinidad and Tobago High Court has rejected a registered nurse’s legal challenge against the South-West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) regarding salary deductions following her extended medical absence. Justice Westmin James delivered the decisive verdict on January 26, affirming the health authority’s actions as both lawful and contractually justified.

    The case centered on Nicolia McLean-Kelly, a nurse employed at San Fernando General Hospital since 2018, who contracted mycoplasma pneumonia while on duty in July 2020. Her condition deteriorated critically, requiring multiple weeks of hospitalization including three weeks in intensive care where she suffered cardiac arrests and underwent emergency lung surgery.

    Despite the severity of her medical crisis, Justice James determined that SWRHA acted within its contractual rights when it reclassified portions of her sick leave as unpaid absence. The court found that McLean-Kelly had exhausted her contractual entitlement of 14 working days of paid sick leave per year by late July 2020. Subsequent payments made during her extended absence constituted overpayments that the authority was legally obligated to recover under the Exchequer and Audit Act.

    The judge systematically dismissed the claimant’s arguments that the deductions were unlawful or unfair. He emphasized that the employment contract explicitly granted the employer discretion in determining whether extended sick leave should be paid, and that this discretion was exercised rationally and consistently with established HR policies. Justice James further noted that the contract expressly required employees to comply with applicable institutional policies, making it implausible that a senior nurse would be unaware of such regulations.

    The court also addressed the timing of the deductions, acknowledging that medical certificates could only be issued upon hospitalization completion, which delayed the reclassification process. Once overpayments were identified, recovery became legally mandatory.

    In addition to dismissing the claim for recovered salary totaling $63,482.08, the court rejected claims for gratuity losses ($13,917), aggravated and exemplary damages, and interest. Justice James ordered McLean-Kelly to pay the SWRHA’s prescribed costs of $19,479.80 (excluding VAT) while granting a 90-day stay of execution.

  • Dump truck driver robbed at Beetham Landfill

    Dump truck driver robbed at Beetham Landfill

    In a brazen daylight robbery, a dump truck operator fell victim to an armed assault at Port of Spain’s Beetham Landfill on January 25th. The incident occurred approximately at 1:20 pm as the driver was exiting the waste management facility.

    According to law enforcement officials, four individuals of African descent confronted the victim while he operated his blue and red Nissan CK20 dump truck. The assailants executed a coordinated robbery, making away with multiple valuable possessions from the driver, who resides in La Paille Gardens, Caroni.

    The stolen items include a premium grey Samsung S20 mobile device housed in a blue protective case, valued at approximately $2,000 TT dollars. The perpetrators additionally confiscated a black wallet containing $675 in cash and a First Citizens bank card, with the wallet itself appraised at $200. Notably, the thieves also took a black Adidas strap bag worth $60, which contained critical access items to the victim’s personal vehicle and residential property.

    Law enforcement authorities have circulated detailed physical descriptions for three suspects involved in the criminal act. All individuals are described as having brown complexion and slim builds. The primary suspect stands approximately six feet tall with distinctive cane-row comb-back hairstyling and an elongated, clean-shaven facial structure. His attire consisted of a white vest paired with blue three-quarter length trousers.

    A second accomplice matches similar height characteristics with conservatively cropped hair, last seen wearing a green T-shirt with blue three-quarter pants. The third identified individual presents significantly shorter at five feet three inches with rounded facial features and no visible facial hair. His clothing included a distinctive yellow and black padded jet ski vest complemented by brown three-quarter pants.

    Criminal investigations remain actively ongoing as authorities pursue multiple investigative avenues to apprehend those responsible for this violent act against a essential service worker.

  • Jafari Edwards, Peyton Winter storm to wins at Power in the Field Classic

    Jafari Edwards, Peyton Winter storm to wins at Power in the Field Classic

    While track athletes typically command the most attention at athletic competitions, the spotlight shifted decisively to field event specialists during the Wright Foundation’s Power in the Field Classic held January 24 at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.

    The event showcased remarkable performances from emerging talents who demonstrated exceptional prowess across various disciplines. Mercury’s Jafari Edwards emerged as a double champion in the boys’ under-17 category, securing gold in both long jump with a winning leap of 6.41 meters and high jump with a clearance of 1.75 meters. His long jump victory came after a tense competition with Memphis Pioneers’ Zayne Martin, who nearly overtook him with a final attempt of 6.37 meters.

    Burnley Athletic Club’s Peyton Winter delivered a spectacular triple crown performance in the girls’ under-20 category, dominating shot put (12.91m), javelin (28.85m), and discus (35.73m). Her shot put victory was particularly notable as she outperformed Tenique Vincent, the recently crowned Female Multi-event Athlete of the Year, who managed 10.10 meters.

    Vincent later redeemed herself by claiming the girls’ under-20 high jump title with a clearance of 1.65 meters, while her twin brother Tyrique Vincent, the Male Multi-event Athlete of the Year, triumphed in the boys’ under-20 long jump with an impressive 7.07-meter effort.

    The competition also featured standout performances from Kaizen Panthers’ Kaori Robley (girls’ under-20 long jump, 5.21m), QRC Athletic Club’s La Queen Welch (girls’ under-17 high jump, 1.64m), and Ascend Athletic Club’s Daryan Boyce who edged out clubmate Nykel Gomez in a thrilling boys’ under-20 discus contest with a throw of 44.45 meters.

    These results highlight the growing depth of field event talent in Trinidad and Tobago’s athletic landscape, with multiple athletes showing potential for future regional and international success.