Carib Scope

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  • Heritage loses salaries appeal

    Heritage loses salaries appeal

    A landmark appellate court ruling has reignited debate over transparency standards for public-owned enterprises in Trinidad and Tobago, after judges overturned a lower court decision and ruled that state-run Heritage Petroleum Company Ltd unlawfully withheld employee salary and identity information from a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

    The legal battle stretches back to 2018, when activist and former government minister Devant Maharaj submitted a formal FOI request seeking granular operational details from Heritage, including full names and exact remuneration packages for all employees. While the energy giant eventually released a limited set of data, it refused to disclose individual identities and specific salary figures, invoking a legal exemption that shields personal information from unreasonable public disclosure.

    Maharaj contested this refusal through judicial review. Though the High Court acknowledged that Heritage had broken procedural rules by failing to provide sufficient justification for its refusal and skipping a required public interest balancing test mandated under Section 35 of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), it ultimately ruled that the company had substantially met its legal obligations after releasing an anonymized “Annual Company Base Salary List”. This document only provided broad salary ranges grouped by job category, with no individual names or exact compensation details.

    On appeal, Maharaj’s legal team, led by prominent senior counsel Anand Ramlogan, argued that the generalized salary range document was no substitute for the specific information Maharaj had requested, and that the High Court had misinterpreted the FOIA by accepting the incomplete disclosure as compliant. Heritage defended its position, maintaining that its response satisfied all statutory requirements.

    Delivering the unanimous ruling from the three-judge panel consisting of Justices Nolan Bereaux, Mark Mohammed and James Aboud, Justice Bereaux rejected the High Court’s core reasoning, concluding that Heritage’s approach remained unlawful even after releasing the aggregated salary list. Justice Bereaux clarified that once a public body invokes the personal information exemption, FOIA explicitly requires a formal Section 35 balancing exercise: the body must weigh whether the public interest in disclosure of the requested information outweighs the potential harm to individual privacy. The appellate court confirmed that this mandatory assessment was never properly completed by Heritage.

    “The respondent clearly did not wish to disclose the document,” Justice Bereaux wrote in the judgment, adding that if the refusal was rooted in public interest concerns, the company was legally obligated to articulate those concerns and provide formal justification for its decision.

    The court also emphasized that the anonymized salary range document provided by Heritage was fundamentally different from the information Maharaj had requested. Where the original request sought individual-specific data, the company only offered generalized, aggregated ranges that failed to match the scope of the request. On this basis, the panel ruled the High Court erred in finding that the document met FOIA requirements or qualified as a permissible redacted disclosure under Section 16 of the Act.

    In its final order, the Court of Appeal allowed Maharaj’s appeal, set aside the High Court’s original ruling, and remanded the request back to Heritage for reconsideration. The company is now required to complete the mandatory public interest analysis and re-evaluate the request in full compliance with the FOIA. The judgment also underscored the core purpose of the FOIA: to advance governmental transparency and accountability, and requires that any denial of disclosure by a public authority must be rigorously justified on statutory grounds.

    In addition to the substantive ruling, the court ordered Heritage to cover all of Maharaj’s legal costs for both the High Court and appellate proceedings, with the total amount to be assessed by the court if the two parties cannot reach an agreement on the sum.

  • Second crash claims driver

    Second crash claims driver

    A deadly double tragedy unfolded on one of Trinidad and Tobago’s busiest highways on Sunday, as two separate vehicle collisions just three hours apart left two people dead and multiple others injured, reigniting longstanding public pressure for improved road safety measures along the route.

    The first incident occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. near the Munroe Road flyover, when a 22-year-old driver operating a pick-up truck crossed the highway’s central median and struck a passenger vehicle head-on. Trapped inside the wrecked car was 58-year-old Michael King, a local business leader and co-executive of an Arouca-based maintenance firm. King was crushed in the impact and pronounced dead at the scene, after first responders had to cut him free from the destroyed vehicle.

    King’s wife, Severina Francois, who was also in the vehicle, suffered serious brain injuries in the crash. She was transported to Mt Hope Hospital for urgent treatment, and medical updates confirm she remains conscious and coherent. The 22-year-old pick-up driver and all other occupants of the truck were also critically injured and taken to hospital for care. The high-profile crash blocked through traffic for hours, causing widespread gridlock that stretched for miles along the highway.

    Before emergency crews had even cleared the wreckage from the first collision, a second fatal crash unfolded on the highway’s northbound lane near Caroni, at roughly 8:15 p.m. that same evening. According to police reports, a black Suzuki Grand Vitara, driven northbound by 41-year-old Curepe resident Randy Siew, collided with the rear of a silver Nissan Sylphy traveling in the same direction. The force of the impact pushed the Nissan off the paved roadway, but its driver escaped the crash without any injuries.

    When law enforcement officers arrived at the scene, they found Siew motionless on the side of the road. Investigators preliminary assessment suggests Siew suffered a sudden, fatal heart attack behind the wheel just before or during the collision. Two elderly passengers who were riding in Siew’s vehicle sustained non-fatal injuries and were transferred to a local medical facility for treatment. Siew was officially pronounced dead at the scene by the district medical officer.

    In the wake of the back-to-back fatalities, local road safety advocacy group Arrive Alive has publicly extended its condolences to the families of both King and Siew, while renewing a years-long campaign for the installation of physical median barriers along the entire length of the Uriah Butler Highway.

    In a statement posted to the organization’s social media channels on Sunday, Arrive Alive emphasized that the fatal crash that killed King was entirely preventable. “This is another preventable and fatal crash which took the life of one, and seriously injured three persons. We wish the three persons injured full recoveries,” the group wrote.

    The organization called on all motorists to prioritize focused driving, noting that driver distraction and excessive speed are consistent contributing factors in serious highway collisions across the country. It also added that the widespread lack of physical median separation directly contributes to the dangerous crossover collisions that frequently leave drivers dead on major routes.

    “Forensic crash investigation required in T&T. So do [better] median barriers [to prevent] crossover collisions. The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure Trinidad and Tobago, please install median barriers along this highway,” the group’s statement concluded.

  • Rowley, Young tributes to ‘Chan’

    Rowley, Young tributes to ‘Chan’

    The Caribbean and South American region is in mourning following the unexpected death of 67-year-old Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi, the former president of Suriname, who passed away on Wednesday at Paramaribo’s Academic Hospital after being admitted for a sudden illness contracted at his residence. The exact cause of his illness and death has not been made public as of the latest updates, leaving many to grapple with the sudden loss of a veteran leader.

    Across the border in Trinidad and Tobago, two of the country’s former prime ministers, Dr Keith Rowley and Stuart Young, were quick to share tributes via public Facebook posts, extending their deepest sympathies to Santokhi’s loved ones and the entire population of Suriname. In his message, Rowley highlighted Santokhi’s lifelong commitment to public service and national progress, noting that his legacy of dedication would be remembered with lasting respect and continue to inspire coming generations. Young echoed this sentiment, offering prayers for comfort and strength for all those affected by the loss.

    Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali remembered Santokhi as more than a fellow regional leader – he called him a close friend and a brother bound by shared conviction rather than blood ties. Reflecting on Santokhi’s decades of public life, Ali noted that while the former president’s life has ended, the impact of his leadership, the warmth of his friendship, and the power of his example would continue to resonate with all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

    The Guyana-headquartered Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat also released a statement mourning the loss of what it called one of the bloc’s most dedicated regionalists. During Santokhi’s tenure as chairman of Caricom, he spearheaded key progress on a number of critical regional initiatives: he pushed forward decisive action to expand the list of professions eligible for skills certification under the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), coordinated the bloc’s collective response to the ongoing crisis in Haiti, and advanced the development of the organization’s first formal industrial policy.

    Suriname’s sitting president Jennifer Geerlings-Simons also paid tribute to Santokhi’s legacy, emphasizing that the nation would never forget his decades of service across multiple levels of government. In an official statement released by the Suriname government, officials confirmed that Santokhi, who served as the country’s ninth president from 2020 to 2025, had previously held cabinet office as Minister of Justice and Police between 2005 and 2010. The government offered its full condolences to Santokhi’s family, friends, party colleagues, and all those impacted by the loss, and wished everyone strength to navigate this period of grief.

    As chairman of the Progressive Reform Party (VHP), Santokhi most recently led the party to win 17 of 51 available parliamentary seats in the 2025 general election held in May. In an official announcement, the VHP described Santokhi’s unexpected passing as a colossal, immeasurable loss for the organization. Since taking the reins of the so-called “great orange party” in 2011, the statement noted, Santokhi led the party with unmatched dedication, clear strategic vision, and remarkable courage. For the VHP, the former president was not just a leader, but a beloved father figure to the entire movement. The party’s executive board extended its full condolences to Santokhi’s wife Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry, his children, grandchildren, and extended family, and called on all party members, organizational structures, and supporters to remain united, calm, and supportive of one another in this difficult period. The board pledged to uphold Santokhi’s core ideals and enduring legacy with dignity, confirming that his commitment to Suriname will remain at the heart of the party’s work going forward. Further details about the national mourning period, condolence registers, and funeral arrangements will be released in the coming days following consultation with Santokhi’s family and relevant government authorities.

  • Gov’t establishes cost-of-living task force

    Gov’t establishes cost-of-living task force

    In a decisive response to soaring global oil prices exacerbated by Middle Eastern conflict, the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has formally established the National Cost-of-living Task Force (NCLTF). Approved by the Cabinet, this strategic initiative marks a shift from reactive measures to proactive economic intervention.

    The Prime Minister’s Office announced that the NCLTF will pursue a dual mandate: providing immediate relief to citizens while implementing long-term structural reforms. Key strategies include advising on targeted tax relief measures, exploring alternative food sourcing through CARICOM partnerships with nations like Guyana and Brazil, and advancing energy cooperation and renewable projects to reduce utility expenses.

    This operational body emerges as a direct response to the systemic economic threat triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has driven Brent Crude prices to US$110 per barrel and sharply increased shipping risk premiums. The task force adopts a ‘whole-of-nation’ approach, breaking down traditional governmental silos by combining policy leadership from multiple ministries including Finance, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Blue Economy, and Tourism.

    The NCLTF’s composition reflects its comprehensive approach, incorporating technical experts from Customs, the Port Authority, and Argyle International Airport, alongside social partners from major labor unions. Private sector stakeholders including the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, key importers, and the state-owned electricity company VINLEC are also integral to the framework, demonstrating an unprecedented collaborative effort to safeguard economic sovereignty and protect vulnerable citizens from global market volatility.

  • ABHTA Elevates Housekeeping Excellence with Advanced Supervisor Training

    ABHTA Elevates Housekeeping Excellence with Advanced Supervisor Training

    The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has marked a significant milestone in hospitality workforce development with the successful completion of its Housekeeping Supervisor – Advanced Level Course. Held on March 24–25, 2026, at the Muriel O’Mard Campus, this intensive two-day program was specifically designed to elevate the capabilities of supervisory personnel within the tourism sector.

    Under the expert guidance of Patricia Louisa Tully, CHHE, CHE—a distinguished hospitality professional with extensive credentials as Executive Housekeeper, Rooms Manager, and Hospitality Educator—the curriculum addressed critical leadership competencies. Participants engaged in a multifaceted learning experience that combined theoretical examinations with interactive exercises and practical, hands-on sessions.

    A highlight of the training included a detailed walkthrough of a demonstration room conducted by Ms. Tully, who emphasized the meticulous protocols essential for maintaining superior housekeeping standards. This practical component reinforced the course’s focus on quality control, inspection rigor, and operational consistency.

    The comprehensive program covered several advanced domains: enhancing leadership and team management capabilities, refining budgeting and cost-control techniques, strengthening workplace professionalism and ethics, and ultimately driving guest satisfaction through improved service delivery. Successfully completing the final assessment earned participants official certification, recognizing their commitment to professional excellence.

    Both facilitator and attendees reported exceptionally positive outcomes. Ms. Tully praised the cohort’s dedication and interactive participation, stating: ‘The trainees were hardworking, dedicated individuals—a pleasure to work with. I am confident in their ability to apply these advanced skills effectively.’

    Participants echoed this sentiment, with Alicia Charles, Executive Housekeeper at Cocobay Resort, describing the course as ‘a game-changer’ for focusing on communication and team motivation. Errol Phoenix of Total Imports Supplies noted the training would empower him to improve his department and serve as a positive role model.

    The ABHTA reaffirms its ongoing commitment to enhancing the skillset of the local hospitality workforce, aiming to bolster both individual career progression and the broader economic benefits of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry. The association continues to welcome members from across the sector to support collective growth and development.

  • Dominican Health Ministry distributes 25,000 first aid kits for Easter 2026

    Dominican Health Ministry distributes 25,000 first aid kits for Easter 2026

    Residents and travelers across the Dominican Republic are set to benefit from a sweeping nationwide public health initiative aimed at boosting emergency response capabilities during the upcoming 2026 Easter holiday period. Unveiled by the nation’s Ministry of Health as a core component of Operation SS 2026, the program centers on three foundational pillars: proactive incident prevention, rapid on-site medical care, and continuous public health surveillance across high-foot-traffic areas.

    A key centerpiece of the initiative is the distribution of 25,000 fully stocked first aid kits, which will be routed through local Provincial and Area Health Directorates to locations that see the largest volumes of visitor and traveler movement over the holiday. Priority deployment zones include major city exit routes, highway toll plazas, and low-resource vulnerable communities that face gaps in immediate emergency access.

    Public health officials designed the full set of measures to address the most common preventable health and safety risks that spike during the Easter holiday season: traffic collisions, incidents linked to excessive alcohol consumption, and outbreaks of food poisoning. The plan guarantees that rapid, professional medical assistance will be available at pre-identified strategic checkpoints and gathering spots across every region of the country.

    Dominican Health Minister Víctor Atallah emphasized that while the newly distributed first aid kits will serve as a critical lifeline in time-sensitive emergency scenarios, proactive prevention of incidents remains the single most effective strategy to protect public safety and save lives over the holiday. Beyond first aid supplies, authorities have also upgraded the national capacity to respond to poisoning incidents by restocking critical life-saving medications at all major public health facilities across the country.

    The cross-cutting program has secured coordinated support from a network of partner institutions, including Promese/CAL, the Dominican Red Cross, and the national Civil Defense agency. Public health teams have also ramped up epidemiological surveillance protocols, with a particular focus on early detection and response to diarrheal illnesses and other diseases spread through contaminated food, which are common holiday-related public health concerns.

    To support real-time tracking of incidents and inter-agency coordination, national Health Situation Rooms have been activated across all administrative regions of the country. The activation falls under the broader “Awareness for Life Holy Week 2026” operation, which is led by the Dominican Emergency Operations Center (COE). In closing, public health officials have issued a public appeal for holidaygoers and residents to practice responsible behavior, uphold strict personal and food hygiene standards, follow safe food handling protocols, avoid consuming unregulated and unsealed alcohol products, and seek prompt professional medical attention if they experience illness or injury over the holiday period.

  • Calliaqua students place 2nd among regional environmentalists

    Calliaqua students place 2nd among regional environmentalists

    A team of fifth-grade innovators from Calliaqua Anglican Primary School has secured second place in the prestigious Macmillan Education Young Environmental Scientist Regional Competition 2025-2026 (Primary Category), bringing national pride to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The student group, operating under the dynamic moniker SVG Wildlife Warriors, comprises Vedant Shetty, Khristan Da Santos, Kareem Ashton, and Tajiri Layne.

    Their award-winning submission featured a comprehensive five-minute video presentation demonstrating both scientific rigor and creative problem-solving. The annual Macmillan Education competition provides a critical platform for Caribbean students to develop practical solutions to pressing environmental issues, with this year’s theme aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

    The young conservationists focused their research on raising awareness about endangered species native to their archipelago. Their project involved meticulous data collection and analysis on threatened wildlife including the iconic St. Vincent parrot, the elusive whistling warbler, the critically endangered Union Island Gecko, and majestic hawksbill turtles.

    Demonstrating exceptional educational innovation, the team designed an interactive board game that transforms environmental education into an engaging experience. This creative tool aims to inspire younger generations to actively participate in biodiversity conservation efforts while learning about ecological preservation.

    The award was formally presented by Deborah Brearley from the United Kingdom, alongside Denise Gaymes representing Macmillan Education. Brearley commended the students’ exceptional ability to merge scientific inquiry with imaginative environmental advocacy.

    Principal Roslyn Marshall expressed profound institutional pride in the achievement, highlighting how this recognition reflects the school’s dedicated emphasis on holistic education and advanced STEM learning methodologies. The first-place honors were awarded to a competing institution from Trinidad and Tobago.

  • High Surf Advisory Issued for Antigua with Dangerous Waves Expected Through Sunday

    High Surf Advisory Issued for Antigua with Dangerous Waves Expected Through Sunday

    The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service has issued a significant high surf advisory effective Tuesday morning through Sunday, warning of hazardous marine conditions across multiple Eastern Caribbean territories. Antigua will experience the initial impact beginning Tuesday morning, with Montserrat, St. Kitts, and Nevis facing deteriorating conditions by Tuesday afternoon.

    Meteorological analysis indicates moderate long-period swells originating from northern directions will generate dangerous surf conditions along predominantly north-facing coastlines. These swells are characterized by significant wave heights ranging from 1.5 to 2.4 meters (5-8 feet), with localized areas potentially experiencing waves nearing 3.0 meters (10 feet). The exceptional swell period of 10-13 seconds suggests powerful, organized wave energy approaching coastal areas.

    The primary concern involves life-threatening surf conditions and powerful rip currents, particularly affecting reefs and exposed northern coastlines with shallow, moderately sloping nearshore bathymetry. Breaking waves are forecast to exceed 2 meters (6 feet), with certain areas experiencing surf heights potentially double the swell height due to complex wave transformation processes near shore.

    Coastal flooding presents an additional hazard, as high tides combined with onshore wind and swell action may result in localized beach erosion and seawater inundation of low-lying coastal infrastructure. The meteorological service has indicated potential escalation to high surf warnings for the most severely affected regions.

    The advisory emphasizes substantial risks to life, property, and infrastructure. Potential impacts include: drowning hazards from powerful currents capable of overwhelming even experienced swimmers; injuries to coastal recreational users; significant beach erosion; damage to coastal roads; disruption to marine-based businesses and recreation; financial losses; and ecological damage to coral reef systems.

    Safety authorities recommend extreme caution for beachgoers, advising bathing only at lifeguard-protected beaches or sheltered southern coastlines. Those frequenting rocky coastal areas should exercise particular vigilance. The advisory provides specific guidance for rip current survival: remain calm and float rather than swimming against the current; swim parallel to shore if possible; and signal for assistance if unable to reach safety.

  • New CMC Facility to Link Farmers Directly to Hotels and Supermarkets

    New CMC Facility to Link Farmers Directly to Hotels and Supermarkets

    The government is spearheading a transformative agricultural initiative designed to strengthen domestic food production and reduce import dependency. Central to this strategy is the establishment of a state-of-the-art national food distribution hub operated by the CMC (Caribbean Marketing Corporation).

    According to Minister Smith, the facility’s core mandate is to prioritize procurement from local farmers, creating a reliable and structured market for their produce. This initiative is a strategic move to directly supply the nation’s lucrative tourism sector—including hotels and supermarkets—with high-quality, locally grown food, thereby keeping revenue within the domestic economy.

    The hub will be equipped with comprehensive infrastructure, including advanced cold storage and dry storage units, alongside agro-processing capabilities. This will allow for extended preservation of perishable goods and value-added processing before distribution, minimizing waste and maximizing farmer profitability. Minister Smith also revealed plans to incorporate a dedicated farmer’s market space within the complex.

    The government has already secured a property for this project and is currently in the development phase, retrofitting the existing structure to meet its new purpose. While a specific inauguration date remains unannounced, officials have confirmed that work is actively underway.

    Hailed as a ‘game changer’ for the agricultural sector, the CMC hub is expected to alleviate significant pressure on farmers by guaranteeing a steady and dependable outlet for their goods. This project is a critical component of a larger national agenda aimed at enhancing food security, bolstering local agriculture, and more deeply integrating this vital sector into the country’s tourism-driven economic model.

  • Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League welcomes Jamaica Kingsmen

    Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League welcomes Jamaica Kingsmen

    The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL), one of the world’s top professional T20 cricket competitions, has made a landmark expansion announcement on March 31, 2026, formally welcoming the Jamaica Kingsmen as its newest franchise. This official confirmation opens an exciting new chapter for cricket development across the Caribbean region.

    The newly launched Jamaica Kingsmen will carry Jamaica’s sporting legacy into the CPL, bringing a distinct new identity, renewed competitive energy, and a firm commitment to upholding high standards of excellence both on the cricket pitch and in community engagement off the field. The addition of the franchise advances the CPL’s long-standing core mission: growing the popularity of cricket across every Caribbean territory while centering the unique cultural identity and fan passion that makes each island’s cricket community special.

    Unlike any previous expansion addition to the league, the Jamaica Kingsmen is owned by a United States-based investment group headed by Fawad Sarwar, an industry leader who already owns a Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise bearing the same Kingsmen name. This cross-league ownership structure represents a meaningful milestone in forging stronger collaborative connections between major global cricket circuits and extending the recognition of the Kingsmen brand across elite T20 competitions worldwide.

    Pete Russell, Chief Executive Officer of Republic Bank CPL, shared his enthusiasm for the new addition in an official statement. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the Jamaica Kingsmen into the CPL family,” Russell said. “Jamaica has long been a dominant powerhouse in Caribbean cricket, and this new franchise is a bold, forward-looking step that builds on that incredible existing legacy. The participation of an experienced, well-respected international ownership group only underscores the rising global appeal of the CPL as a premier T20 destination.”

    Sarwar, the lead owner of the new franchise, also shared his perspective on the expansion, noting that bringing the Kingsmen brand to the Caribbean is a distinct honor. “Jamaica boasts one of the richest cricketing heritages in the world, and it is home to some of the most passionate cricket fans on the planet,” Sarwar said. “We are fully committed to building a squad that honors that pride, competes at the highest possible level of the sport, and contributes to the ongoing growth of the CPL. We are excited to build something truly special for the people of Jamaica, rooted in the iconic Tallawah fighting spirit that defines Jamaican sport.”

    The “Kingsmen” franchise name was chosen intentionally to evoke three core values that align with Jamaican cricket: strength, pride, and leadership. These qualities have long been associated with Jamaica’s outsized impact on regional and international cricket, from producing generations of star players to shaping the culture of the sport across the Caribbean.

    The franchise will have its permanent base in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital, with the iconic Sabina Park serving as its official home ground. Sabina Park is one of the most legendary cricket venues in the Caribbean, with a decades-long history of hosting high-stakes international and regional matches, and it will now offer fans a dynamic, electrifying matchday experience for every Kingsmen home game.

    For the CPL, the addition of the Jamaica Kingsmen reinforces the league’s trajectory as one of the fastest-growing premier T20 competitions on the global cricket calendar. League organizers note that this expansion marks the start of an exciting new era for cricket, both in Jamaica and across the entire Caribbean region, as the league works to bring top-tier T20 action to more fans and grow the sport’s reach across the globe.