Carib Scope

标签： Trinidad and Tobago

特立尼达和多巴哥

  • Venezuelans in Trinidad and Tobago hopeful for change

    Venezuelans in Trinidad and Tobago hopeful for change

    The Venezuelan diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago has responded with both celebration and concern following the unprecedented US military operation that resulted in the capture and removal of President Nicolás Maduro on January 3rd. US President Donald Trump confirmed at a Mar-a-Lago press conference that a “large-scale strike” had been executed, resulting in Maduro and his wife being transported to the United States to face criminal charges.

    Trump announced that the United States would temporarily administer Venezuela through an unspecified group while explicitly stating his intention to access the country’s substantial oil reserves. He outlined plans for US oil companies to invest billions in rebuilding Venezuela’s energy infrastructure with the goal of exporting “large amounts of oil to other countries.”

    Former photojournalist Grevic Alvarado expressed cautious optimism, describing Maduro’s removal as “the first step towards freedom” while acknowledging concerns about family members remaining in Venezuela. “We are hopeful, but at this moment we need to understand what is happening,” Alvarado stated, emphasizing the need for calm until more information becomes available from US authorities and Venezuelan opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo González.

    Human rights activist Yesenia González characterized the development as “a very happy and emotional day” for Venezuelans who have endured years of economic collapse, shortages of basic necessities, and political repression. While not celebrating violence, she expressed hope for national renewal, institution rebuilding, and the eventual return of millions of displaced Venezuelans.

    González specifically thanked Trinidadian Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for supporting US actions and praised Trump’s leadership, asserting that a “free, stable and democratic Venezuela” would benefit both Venezuelans and the broader region by reducing forced migration and fostering cooperation.

    However, dissenting voices emerged from within Venezuela. Political analyst Jesús Enrique Rojas described the atmosphere as “tense” following what he called a “big surprise” that sparked widespread indignation. Rojas reported civilian and military casualties from the strikes and emphasized that neither the public nor Vice President Delcy Rodríguez knew Maduro’s precise whereabouts or condition.

    Rojas condemned the operation as a violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty, warning that installing an opposition figure like Machado could trigger civil war. He insisted that constitutional protocols must be followed, with Vice President Rodríguez assuming leadership pending Maduro’s return or a Supreme Court decision regarding new elections.

    The professor called for unified action among Venezuelans to restore their democratically elected leader and normalcy to the nation, asserting that “We decide who is going to be our President because we have our own laws.”

  • CIBC TT supports literacy drive

    CIBC TT supports literacy drive

    CIBC Caribbean’s ComTrust Committee has launched a significant literacy initiative by providing substantial support to three non-governmental organizations in Trinidad. The program aims to strengthen foundational reading skills among both children and adults, recognizing literacy as a fundamental life skill essential for educational and professional development.

    At a ceremony held at CIBC’s Maraval office on December 12, Mahadeo Sebarath, Head of Country for Trinidad, presented donations to three recipient organizations: Moms for Literacy, Rotary Club of Maraval, and ALTA (Adult Literacy Tutors Association). These groups represent decades of collective experience in addressing literacy challenges throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

    Moms for Literacy, established in 1992, has developed customized programs focusing on reading, writing, critical thinking, and comprehension skills. Over the past twenty years, the organization has assisted more than 10,000 students while creating specialized programs for schools nationwide. Their community outreach initiatives have demonstrated measurable impact in reducing criminal activity by providing educational alternatives.

    The Rotary Club of Maraval will utilize the funding to provide specialized SEA (Secondary Entrance Assessment) preparation lessons for Standard 5 students across four primary schools: Boissierre RC, La Seiva RC, Paramin RC, and Rampanalgas RC. The six-month program, running from October 2025 through March 2026, builds on previous successful interventions that resulted in La Seiva RC School’s removal from the Ministry of Education’s watch list.

    ALTA, celebrating thirty years of service, will direct resources toward its online literacy program designed specifically for Caribbean life skills. The funding will provide essential books for 27 at-risk students at San Juan Boys’ Primary and Barataria RC School who risk scoring below 50% in their SEA examinations. Without intervention, these students face significant challenges in secondary education due to inadequate literacy foundations.

    Sebarath emphasized CIBC’s institutional commitment to social development, noting that the bank contributes one percent of its net income to community enhancement projects. The ComTrust Foundation, CIBC’s charitable arm established as a registered charity in Barbados, supports initiatives across ten countries where the bank operates, distributing no less than US$1 million annually to educational and social development programs.

  • Warner: Are state vehicles held to same standards?

    Warner: Are state vehicles held to same standards?

    In a striking development within Trinidad and Tobago’s transportation sector, former Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner has issued a compelling challenge to current minister Eli Zakour regarding the implementation of newly doubled traffic fines effective January 1. While expressing support for the punitive measures designed to combat roadway lawlessness, Warner has raised critical questions about whether government fleets will be subjected to the same rigorous standards now imposed on citizens.

    Warner’s open letter, composed during his tenure in the People’s Partnership administration (2011-2012), acknowledges the necessity of strengthened penalties to address the escalating disregard for traffic regulations. However, he pivots to two fundamental concerns: the alarming prevalence of jaywalking behavior and the roadworthiness of state-owned vehicles.

    The former minister describes an emerging ‘bounce me nah’ culture where pedestrians immersed in mobile devices step into traffic with dangerous confidence, ignoring signals and crossings. This behavior, he notes, endangers both pedestrians and motorists alike, particularly elderly drivers navigating congested thoroughfares.

    More significantly, Warner scrutinizes the maintenance standards of government vehicles spanning multiple agencies—including ministerial SUVs, NP tankers, T&TEC, WASA, TSTT vehicles, emergency response units, and PTSC buses. He questions whether these vehicles undergo regular inspections matching the newly intensified standards applied to private citizens. Warner emphasizes that public confidence in enforcement hinges on the perception of equal application to both citizens and government entities.

    Calling for full transparency, Warner requested disclosure of inspection protocols, associated taxpayer costs, and implementation timelines if such measures exist. If not, he demands explanation for the exemption. The former minister concludes by commending Zakour’s courage while urging comprehensive, fair, and credible enforcement supported by functioning systems and visible accountability.

  • Tough year for wildlife

    Tough year for wildlife

    Trinidad and Tobago witnessed significant developments in wildlife conservation and environmental protection throughout 2025, according to a comprehensive report by the TT Field Naturalists’ Club. The year presented both encouraging advancements and disturbing violations in the nation’s ecological preservation efforts.

    Law enforcement agencies conducted coordinated operations in March 2025 across Tabaquite, Rio Claro, and Guayaguayare districts to combat illegal hunting activities following the close of hunting season. The multi-agency operation involving the Praedial Larceny Squad, game wardens, and EMBD state patrol uncovered an illegal teak logging operation in Charuma. Subsequently, authorities charged an individual in Whiteland for illegally hunting protected species including a lappe and iguana.

    The legal landscape regarding wildlife possession saw clarification when a Brasso Village nature park failed to convince courts that the 2021 seizure of a red howler monkey was unlawful. This ruling established that merely submitting a possession request to the Wildlife Section does not constitute legal permission to keep protected species.

    Tragically, December 2025 marked the discovery of a fatally shot ocelot in Grande Riviere, reported by conservationist Len Peters. Veterinary experts at the University of the West Indies’ Zoology Museum conducted a necropsy confirming the animal had been shot, extracting eight shotgun slugs. As Trinidad’s only native wild cat species designated as Environmentally Sensitive since 2013, harming ocelots carries penalties of $100,000 fines and two-year imprisonment.

    Marine environments faced parallel challenges, with a distressed whale shark bearing visible injuries found dead near Chaquacabana hotel after being spotted at Peake Yacht Services marina. Meanwhile, proposed development of a 200-room hotel complex at Tobago’s Rocky Point threatened coral reefs serving as nesting sites for protected sea turtles and habitat for endangered elkhorn corals.

    Positive developments emerged through judicial and policy channels. The High Court overturned the Environmental Management Authority’s 2018 approval of a massive housing project near St Augustine Nurseries, citing insufficient environmental impact assessment. Justice Robin Mohammed emphasized the EMA’s failure to obtain crucial information regarding micro-climate impacts and agricultural concerns.

    July 2025 brought multiple policy advancements including Trinidad’s commitment to the Ocean Coordination Mechanism, International Coral Reef Initiative, 2030 National Biodiversity Targets, and a new National Climate Change Policy. December introduced fireworks regulations prohibiting usage within half-mile radius of forest reserves, national parks, zoos, and animal shelters.

    The Solid Waste Management Company’s proposed engineered landfill at Forres Park generated mixed reactions, promising modern waste management while raising community concerns about localized pollution.

    Educational initiatives flourished with the publication of the Field Guide of Selected Native and Exotic Medicinal and Edible Plants, while the 2025 Bioblitz event in Maracas documented over 1,000 species through collaboration between the TT Field Naturalists’ Club and University of the West Indies, supported by First Citizens funding.

  • Jabloteh rope in Isaiah Leacock, Lindell Sween, face TTPFL holders Army

    Jabloteh rope in Isaiah Leacock, Lindell Sween, face TTPFL holders Army

    The TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) presents a compelling narrative of rivalry and reunion as defending champions Defence Force prepare to confront San Juan Jabloteh in a pivotal Friday night encounter at Couva’s Ato Boldon Stadium. The match gains additional intrigue with Isaiah ‘Bongo’ Leacock’s strategic transfer to Jabloteh after instrumental contributions to Defence Force’s unbeaten championship campaign last season.

    Leacock, the 26-year-old striker who shared top scoring honors with 16 goals and claimed the Forward of the Season award in 2024/25, now represents the opposition alongside returning playmaker Lindell Sween. The 19-year-old Sween rejoins Jabloteh following a brief European stint with Croatia’s NK Jarun, with coach Marvin Gordon anticipating both reinforcements will bolster his seventh-placed squad against the league’s sole undefeated team.

    Defence Force, operating as the Army/Coast Guard combination, currently occupies third position with 20 points from eight matches while maintaining two games in hand over frontrunners Police FC (22 points) and second-place Club Sando (21 points). Their defensive resilience and attacking prowess remain unquestioned despite Leacock’s departure.

    The evening features a competitive double-header with former champions AC Port of Spain facing MIC Central FC Reboot in the opening fixture. Both teams sit narrowly separated in fifth and sixth positions respectively, promising a closely contested battle.

    Concurrent matches across multiple venues include Police FC seeking redemption against bottom-dwelling Terminix La Horquetta Rangers following their surprising defeat to Prisons FC. The resurgent Prisons squad, now fourth in standings, confronts Point Fortin Civic while Club Sando tests their title credentials against struggling 1976 FC Phoenix.

    The league table reflects intense competition with mere points separating contenders, setting the stage for a potentially transformative matchday in Trinidad and Tobago’s premier football competition.

  • Opposition Leader: US attack in Venezuela ‘deeply troubling’

    Opposition Leader: US attack in Venezuela ‘deeply troubling’

    Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has issued a sharp rebuke of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s response to the recent US military operation in Caracas, condemning her failure to address the safety concerns of Trinidad and Tobago embassy personnel stationed in the Venezuelan capital.

    The criticism follows early morning operations on January 3rd when US Delta Force special operations units conducted a large-scale strike in Caracas, reportedly resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The operation occurred amid significant US military mobilization in the Caribbean region, including the positioning of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and multiple warships.

    Beckles characterized the Prime Minister’s three-line statement acknowledging the events as insufficient, noting it completely omitted reference to Trinidad’s diplomatic presence in Venezuela. “We place on record our concern for the safety and welfare of the staff and all TT nationals in Venezuela,” Beckles stated, describing the military intervention as “deeply troubling.”

    The Opposition Leader emphasized that while some operational details remain unconfirmed, any military development within Trinidad’s immediate geographic sphere represents a matter of serious concern for the nation, CARICOM, and the broader Caribbean community. Beckles reiterated her party’s commitment to maintaining the Caribbean as a zone of peace, upholding principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and peaceful dispute resolution.

    Citing recent US military actions including the seizure of two Venezuelan oil tankers and deadly strikes on alleged drug trafficking vessels that killed over 100 people, Beckles called for restraint from all involved parties. She urged adherence to international law and emphasized that “the protection and preservation of human life must remain paramount.”

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, in her social media response, acknowledged the attacks but explicitly stated that “Trinidad and Tobago is not a participant in any of these ongoing military operations.”

  • Mikaylee Francis making her mark on football field

    Mikaylee Francis making her mark on football field

    In the small community of Tabaquite, a remarkable young athlete is redefining what’s possible for girls in competitive football. Mikaylee Francis, a 13-year-old standard five student at Tabaquite Roman Catholic School, demonstrates extraordinary balance between academic excellence and athletic prowess while challenging deep-rooted gender stereotypes in sports.

    Francis’s journey began at age seven when she discovered football through her cousin’s team involvement. “I took a natural liking for it,” she recalls, describing how casual observation evolved into genuine passion. With maternal support, she formally joined Gasparillo Youths Football Club at age 11, competing in the Under-12 category despite being one of the few female participants.

    The path hasn’t been without challenges. Francis regularly encounters skepticism about girls’ football capabilities, with critics asserting she “can’t play football as good as a boy.” Rather than being discouraged, she responds with competitive confidence: “Well, let us play and see who is better.”

    Her inaugural competitive match against Pleasantville Government Primary proved emotionally charged. “I was scared… we didn’t win, and I was so heartbroken I started to cry,” Francis remembers. This early disappointment became a foundational lesson in resilience, with mother Megan Parasram encouraging persistence and teamwork.

    As a striker, Francis thrives on goal-scoring opportunities and team dynamics. She maintains rigorous training twice weekly under coach Sandra Pompey’s guidance, emphasizing discipline as crucial to improvement. Her pre-match routine involves strategic stretching and shot practice, approached with notable composure for her age.

    The dedication has yielded impressive results. Francis recently earned a trophy when her school placed second in the Victoria District National Primary School Football League. She additionally received TT Football Association recognition for scoring the most goals in July/August’s G-League, with her team qualifying for national playoffs.

    Balancing academic responsibilities with athletic ambitions requires careful prioritization. Francis acknowledges occasionally missing games for “pressing things for school,” with mathematics standing as her favorite subject. Beyond football, she enjoys basketball with her siblings—two brothers and a younger sister.

    Looking toward 2026, Francis aims to secure placement at her first-choice secondary school, San Fernando Central Secondary. Her long-term aspirations include representing Trinidad and Tobago nationally and pursuing professional international football. Inspired by Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal, she also nurtures ambitions to become a nurse, motivated by desires “to help people.”

    Coach Pompey describes Francis as “a strong, well-disciplined player with a lot of potential,” expressing the team’s collective pride in her accomplishments. Mother Megan Parasram shares this pride, noting that seeing her daughter “happy and smiling” brings greatest satisfaction.

    For girls hesitant to pursue football, Francis offers empowering advice: “Don’t listen to anyone if they tell you can’t play football. You can, and you can do very well.” Her story stands as testament to what determination, support, and genuine passion can achieve against societal expectations.

  • 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.