作者： admin

In a powerful demonstration of cultural solidarity, Trinidad and Tobago’s President Christine Kangaloo has declared the President’s House a permanent home for the national steelpan instrument. The announcement came during the inaugural Steelpan Royale: An Evening of Elegance event held December 3 at the official presidential residence in St. Ann’s, addressing growing concerns over diminished state support for the traditional art form.

The event, which assembled diplomats, regional leaders, industry captains, and cultural icons, served as both an artistic showcase and political statement. President Kangaloo emphasized the steelpan’s global stature and versatility, noting its capacity to ‘command any stage, anywhere in the world.’ Her remarks carried particular significance as five steelbands recently lost sponsorship from state energy companies, creating financial uncertainty within the community preparing for Carnival 2026’s costly Panorama competitions.

The musical program featured extraordinary performances by pan legends Ray Holman, Len ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe, and Natasha Joseph, who demonstrated the instrument’s remarkable expressive range through solo selections. Their repertoire spanned Christmas classics including ‘Deck the Halls,’ ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas,’ and ‘Little Drummer Boy,’ before transitioning into spirited collaborations featuring soca parang favorites like Baron’s ‘Come Go’ and Scrunter’s ‘Ma Jeffrey.’

The evening culminated with The Lydians choir, under Dr. Edward Cumberbatch’s direction, delivering a show-stopping finale that merged a tassa-infused arrangement of the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ with a stirring rendition of ‘Nessun Dorma,’ earning multiple standing ovations. With musical direction by maestro Pelham Goddard, the event reaffirmed the steelpan’s dual identity as both national treasure and global artistic force.

As guests departed, President Kangaloo and her husband Kerwyn Garcia personally thanked attendees, extending seasonal greetings while reinforcing the message that despite funding challenges, the steelpan—born from struggle and creativity—remains firmly positioned at the nation’s highest seat of office.

The Contractors and General Workers Trade Union (CGWTU) has issued an urgent demand for immediate cash payments of outstanding wages to its members employed at the San Fernando City Corporation. Union president Ermine De Bique-Meade delivered a forceful address during a December 4th press conference at the union’s Rushworth Street headquarters, setting a definitive deadline of December 22nd for settlement of all arrears.

De Bique-Meade directly appealed to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for intervention, emphasizing the critical timing ahead of the holiday season. The demanded payments stem from collective bargaining agreements covering periods 2014-2017 and 2017-2019, which were formally signed on April 24th under the previous administration, just days before the United National Congress (UNC) assumed power following the April 28th general elections.

The union leader referenced Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo’s October 13th budget presentation commitment to ratify several public sector agreements, including those affecting municipal workers. Drawing parallels to the Public Services Association’s recent successful negotiation for $3.8 billion in back pay, De Bique-Meade insisted on similar cash disbursements rather than deferred payment arrangements, declaring, ‘Cash! Cash! Cash! Nothing else than cash because you can’t take anything else to the grocery!’

In a notable strategic move, De Bique-Meade highlighted the union’s yellow branding—matching the UNC’s party colors—and reminded officials of their pre-election collaboration. ‘This colour sat around the table and had discussions with him,’ she stated, adding, ‘When you all needed us, we were there! We need you all now!’

The union president confirmed that approximately 800 municipal workers are affected by the delayed payments. While expressing confidence in the Prime Minister’s willingness to ‘do the right thing,’ De Bique-Meade acknowledged that only the current state of emergency provisions prevented immediate street protests, suggesting the union would otherwise have been ‘outside Parliament’ demonstrating.

Ten Trinidad and Tobago non-governmental organizations have secured substantial funding through the Digicel Foundation’s Extraordinary Projects Impacting Communities (EPIC) grant program, receiving $100,000 each to implement transformative initiatives over the next 12-16 months. The funding, generously sponsored by Shell, marks the ninth edition of this community empowerment program focused on driving progress in digitalization, environmental sustainability, and community development.

At a partnership unveiling event held at Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain on December 3, Shell’s Managing LNG Counsel Shaista Ali emphasized the profound impact of community-led sustainability initiatives. “When communities lead sustainability initiatives, the impact excels far beyond any project—it becomes a legacy,” Ali stated. “Together, these areas reflect the kind of future we want to help shape: healthy, innovative, resilient, and environmentally conscious, where people feel empowered to create lasting change.”

The selected projects demonstrate remarkable diversity and innovation. The Holistic Autism Intervention program by the Southern Muslim Institute for Learning and Enrichment will provide specialized speech, behavior, and art therapy for autistic children experiencing developmental delays. Meanwhile, the Fyzabad United Football Club is developing a mobile, solar-powered homework and life skills center housed within a refurbished 20-foot shipping container, complete with computer facilities, internet access, and dedicated tutoring spaces.

Childline received funding to modernize its data management platform, enhancing its capacity to document and support children in distress. Sewa International TT will implement a solar-powered, multi-purpose energy system in Piarco to power health fairs and blood drives. Other beneficiaries include the Mayaro-based community agri-business hub developed by Sisters Uplifting Sisters, the TT Scouts Association’s school bench initiative, and the Bovell Cancer Diabetes Association’s digital hub for medical education.

The Trinidad and Tobago Chest and Heart Association’s virtual reality youth health hub promises to create an engaging, technology-driven educational space where young people can learn about the impacts of smoking and vaping through immersive VR experiences. Additional recipients include Sapphire Miriam’s community after-school center in Chaguanas and Barataria Anglican Primary School’s digital lab and child safety project.

Digicel Foundation Board Chair Desha Clifford revealed the impressive scale of the foundation’s three-year partnership with Shell, noting that over $3 billion has been invested to date. “We have supported 160 projects across Trinidad and Tobago, touching the lives of over 88,000 people,” Clifford announced. “This represents more than $56 million in sustainable community development. These numbers tell a powerful story of change and perseverance.”

Martel Waldron, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Sport and Community Development, expressed government endorsement for the program, noting that these initiatives align perfectly with the national mandate to build stronger communities, empower NGOs, and support sustainable development across the nation.

A protracted legal battle between former Public Services Association (PSA) president Watson Duke and the trade union over pension entitlements will proceed to trial in May 2027. Justice Marissa Robertson has established May 17-18, 2027, as the designated trial dates during a status hearing on December 4.

Duke initiated litigation in June 2024, alleging the PSA violated his employment contract by withholding pension benefits following his December 2021 resignation. His departure from the union presidency coincided with his brief tenure as Tobago House of Assembly deputy chief secretary. The former labor leader contends this resignation should not disqualify him from receiving his pension.

The legal journey has encountered multiple judicial reviews. Duke previously secured an injunction from Justice Frank Seepersad, who ruled without PSA’s representation, granting temporary financial relief based on Duke’s claims of severe hardship including mortgage defaults and $130,000 credit card debt.

However, the PSA successfully challenged this injunction, presenting evidence that Duke had received a $203,850 gratuity in March 2023 and had alternative pension options through his prior employment with the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA). Justice Robertson overturned the injunction, a decision subsequently upheld by the Appeal Court.

The Appellate Court, while acknowledging minor procedural errors in Robertson’s ruling, affirmed that her overall judgment was sound. Justice Eleanor Donaldson-Honeywell noted the PSA would face irrecoverable financial harm if forced to pay pending trial, particularly given uncertainties about Duke’s ability to repay should he ultimately lose his case.

Notably, the court did reverse one element of Robertson’s order requiring Duke to repay $18,875 received during the injunction period, citing lack of procedural foundation for this requirement.

Legal representation includes Kelvin Ramkissoon for the PSA and Farai Hove Masaisai for Duke. The former union president has submitted three witness statements supporting his claim as the case advances toward its 2027 trial date.