Carib Scope

作者： admin

  • PM to PNM: Tell Trinidad and Tobago, how long was radar compromised?

    PM to PNM: Tell Trinidad and Tobago, how long was radar compromised?

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has launched a forceful counteroffensive against opposition criticism regarding the installation of U.S. radar systems, accusing the former People’s National Movement (PNM) government of deliberate security negligence that enabled criminal operations for over a decade.

    In a December 3rd statement, the Prime Minister reframed the national security debate by challenging the PNM to disclose how long they had been aware of Trinidad and Tobago’s compromised radar capabilities. Rather than addressing opposition concerns about sovereignty, Persad-Bissessar shifted focus to what she characterized as systemic security failures during PNM’s tenure.

    The newly operational radar at ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago represents a significant upgrade in surveillance capabilities, specifically targeting narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling, and unauthorized migrant movements from Venezuela. Another complementary system is scheduled for installation in Trinidad, creating comprehensive coverage previously unavailable to national security forces.

    Persad-Bissessar presented a damning chronology of PNM’s governance, linking the party’s period in power to what she described as ‘horrendous’ crime statistics: over 5,000 murders, widespread sexual violence, and rampant violent robberies. She attributed these security failures to deliberate tolerance of drug cartels and sanction-evading Venezuelan criminal networks.

    The Prime Minister’s challenge includes four specific demands: disclosure of when PNM first learned of radar system vulnerabilities, publication of names of businessmen with dual affiliations to PNM and drug cartels, explanation of why previous radars failed to detect illegal ship-to-ship oil transfers, and clarification whether current anti-American rhetoric stems from criminal pressure rather than national interest concerns.

    This confrontation occurs amid escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, with Washington accusing Caracas of narco-terrorism activities. The Prime Minister characterized PNM’s questions about the new radar as a ‘desperate’ attempt to obtain sensitive security information that could benefit criminal financiers associated with the opposition.

  • Found dead in bed – Gasparillo woman’s throat slit

    Found dead in bed – Gasparillo woman’s throat slit

    The peaceful community of Gasparillo has been shattered by the brutal murder of 74-year-old Sookhdaya “Chandra” Jury, who was discovered with her throat slit in her San Fabien Road home on December 1. The horrific finding was made by her daughter after repeated calls went unanswered, despite the two having communicated via video chat less than an hour earlier.

    The tragedy strikes just days before the sixth anniversary of her husband Lesley Hosein’s murder, who was killed by bandits in Sangre Grande in 2017. Jury’s brother, 80-year-old Mohan, expressed profound shock, revealing they had spent time together the previous night as she prepared for a Friday trip to visit her daughter in Canada.

    Police investigations revealed no signs of forced entry or robbery, leading relatives and residents to suspect the perpetrator was someone known to the victim. Adding to the mystery, Jury’s cellphone was later recovered in the washroom of a local Gasparillo bar.

    The murder has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community where Jury was described as a quiet, warm, and loving person who frequently welcomed villagers into her home. Neighbor Amir Sahadath, who had been socializing with Jury hours before the murder, expressed both grief and fear, noting the killer remains at large.

    This incident marks the latest in a disturbing pattern of violence against elderly citizens in Trinidad. Earlier this year, 77-year-old Sam Seegulam was found dead in Longdenville in October, 64-year-old Fanglin Zuo was murdered in Tobago in September, and married couple Kumari and Nasheed Baksh (60 and 67 respectively) were found dead in their Cumuto home in January.

  • Nursing home owner denies suicide claim, says resident cut himself shaving

    Nursing home owner denies suicide claim, says resident cut himself shaving

    A significant discrepancy has emerged between law enforcement reports and a nursing home administration regarding an incident involving an elderly resident. Patricia Moxey, proprietor of Pat’s Senior Citizen Nursing Home and Daycare Centre on Soldier Road, has publicly challenged a police classification of an attempted suicide, asserting that the event was a minor shaving accident that was dramatically misrepresented.

    According to Moxey, an 80-year-old male resident, who has resided at the facility for approximately six months and maintains full mental capacity for personal grooming, merely nicked his wrist while shaving himself—a routine activity he performs independently. She characterized the subsequent reporting as a disproportionate overreaction, stating the incident ‘was put out wrongly’ and that excited frustrations led to a false narrative. The resident, described by staff as alert and pleasant, has no history of self-harm behaviors.

    Contrasting this account, police officials reported that officers responded to a call on Monday morning around 7am after the man was discovered with injuries to his left wrist, suspected to be self-inflicted with a sharp object. Medical personnel on scene assessed the wounds as superficial. A student nurse involved in the discovery detailed that she noticed a small ‘nip’ during morning care routines, provided basic first aid by applying pressure and bandaging the wound, and subsequently reported the matter to her supervisor, who then contacted emergency services. The nurse expressed surprise upon learning the incident was being investigated as an attempted suicide, having believed she was reporting a minor accident.

    Police Press Liaison Chief Superintendent Sheria King confirmed the classification remains based on the active investigation but encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward. The resident has since returned to the nursing home and is resting comfortably under close monitoring, with regular family visits continuing.

  • PNM mourns death of Garvin Simonette

    PNM mourns death of Garvin Simonette

    Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape is mourning the loss of former temporary senator Garvin Simonette, who passed away on December 2 following health-related complications. The prominent legal professional and political figure came from a distinguished lineage of public service, being the son of the People’s National Movement’s inaugural general secretary Nicholas Simonette and Hummingbird Medal Silver recipient Irma “Mother Ipyana” Simonette.

    Simonette’s political journey began with his initial appointment as temporary government senator in 2016, followed by another term in 2018. His parliamentary service extended until August 2019, during which he established himself as a meticulous researcher known for delivering scholarly discourses during legislative debates.

    The former senator’s career encountered significant turbulence in August 2019 when revelations emerged about a prior drunk driving charge in the United States. This disclosure prompted his immediate resignation from the Senate and subsequent deselection as public administration minister-designate, a position he was scheduled to assume following the cancellation of his swearing-in ceremony.

    Beyond politics, Simonette built an impressive legal career specializing in company, commercial, and taxation law. His professional expertise gained recognition not only within Trinidad and Tobago but across regional and international legal circles, where he was respected for his technical proficiency and professional conduct.

    The PNM party memorialized Simonette as an individual deeply committed to national development, emphasizing his family’s legacy of social activism and his personal dedication to serving as an effective representative for his constituents.

  • PM, UNC mourns as Daphne Phillips dies

    PM, UNC mourns as Daphne Phillips dies

    The United National Congress (UNC) and Trinidad and Tobago’s political community are mourning the passing of Dr. Daphne Phillips, a foundational member and former government minister who died on December 3. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who served alongside Phillips in former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday’s cabinet from 1995-2001, issued an emotional tribute through the UNC, honoring her late colleague’s multifaceted legacy.

    Dr. Phillips distinguished herself as Minister of Community Development, Culture and Women’s Affairs during her tenure, simultaneously holding the portfolio of Minister in the Ministry of Community Empowerment, Sport and Consumer Affairs. Her career spanned multiple domains including academia, nursing, and policymaking, earning her recognition as both a mentor and patriot.

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar emphasized Phillips’ unwavering commitment to national development, noting her pioneering work in community empowerment, women’s advancement, family strengthening, and cultural enrichment. Phillips’ political journey began with the People’s Popular Movement (PPM) under Michael Als before merging with the newly formed UNC in 1991, where she remained a steadfast supporter throughout the party’s evolution.

    This loss represents the second recent tragedy for the UNC following the November murder of councilor Romona Victor, who was killed by her common-law husband in a murder-suicide incident. The consecutive losses have created a somber period for the political organization as it remembers two significant contributors to its mission and values.

  • First Citizens launches Google Pay

    First Citizens launches Google Pay

    In a landmark move for Caribbean banking, First Citizens Group has officially launched Google Pay services in Trinidad and Tobago, marking the first deployment of Google’s mobile payment platform in the nation. The December 3 announcement positions the financial institution at the forefront of digital payment innovation in the region.

    Group CEO Jason Julien characterized the launch as a strategic commitment to advancing the country’s digital transformation ecosystem. “As a forward-thinking financial institution, First Citizens is proud to deliver Google Pay to Trinidad and Tobago,” Julien stated. “This initiative elevates payment methodologies through smarter, safer and frictionless digital experiences that align with our customers’ evolving lifestyles.”

    The newly implemented service enables customers to create digital wallets linked directly to their First Citizens credit or prepaid cards, facilitating secure contactless payments both in physical stores and online marketplaces. The bank emphasized the dual benefits for consumers and merchants, noting that retailers can expect accelerated checkout processes, diminished fraud risks, and enhanced digital-first customer experiences.

    From a technical perspective, Google Pay operates through near-field communication (NFC) technology, allowing users to complete transactions by simply holding their enabled devices near contactless terminals. The system also supports online checkout integration and peer-to-peer transactions without requiring balance transfers, maintaining direct linkage to existing card products.

    Security architecture employs tokenization technology that generates virtual account numbers for each transaction instead of transmitting actual card details. Additional protection layers include device PIN requirements, passcode verification, and biometric authentication through fingerprint or facial recognition systems.

    The introduction signals significant behavioral shifts from traditional card-based payments toward phone-enabled transactions, reflecting broader digital transformation trends in the Caribbean banking sector. First Citizens’ deployment establishes a new benchmark for digital payment infrastructure in the region while potentially influencing neighboring markets’ adoption timelines.

  • Padarath, Gonzales: Nothing unusual about joint parliamentary sittings

    Padarath, Gonzales: Nothing unusual about joint parliamentary sittings

    Senior parliamentary figures from both government and opposition have dismissed concerns about simultaneous legislative sessions scheduled for December 5th, characterizing the arrangement as routine procedure rather than extraordinary circumstance.

    Government Business Leader Barry Padarath and Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales separately affirmed that both chambers of Trinidad and Tobago’s parliament will convene concurrently within the Red House’s northern and southern chambers. This coordinated scheduling enables parallel consideration of two significant legislative measures requiring urgent attention.

    The Senate will resume deliberations on the Home Invasion (Self-Defence and Defence of Property) Bill, 2025, continuing debates initiated December 2nd. Attorney General John Jeremie, who inaugurated the discussions, will deliver concluding arguments before the legislation advances to committee review and ultimate voting. The proposed law demands a three-fifths supermajority for passage, necessitating 19 affirmative votes in the 31-member Senate. With the government controlling 15 seats, securing four additional votes from opposition and independent senators becomes crucial for enactment.

    Simultaneously, the House of Representatives will examine the Finance Bill, 2025—legislative machinery designed to implement budgetary policies recently approved by lawmakers.

    Padarath emphasized the architectural intentionality behind the Red House’s dual chambers, noting via WhatsApp message that ‘one of the main reasons there are two chambers is for occurrences like this.’ The Public Utilities Minister further asserted the government’s commitment to fulfilling legislative promises while taking a political jab at the opposition PNM party, accusing them of being ‘legislatively lazy.’

    Gonzales corroborated this perspective, referencing historical precedent for such parallel proceedings and stating simply: ‘Nothing unusual to me.’

  • Business community pleased as cruise ships return to MoBay

    Business community pleased as cruise ships return to MoBay

    MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — Jamaica’s economic revival following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa has received a significant boost with the resumption of cruise tourism operations in St. James Parish. The Carnival Liberty made its inaugural post-hurricane docking at Montego Bay’s port Wednesday, delivering hundreds of visitors to the island’s premier tourism destination.

    The arrival marks a critical milestone in Jamaica’s recovery narrative, with tourism officials and business leaders hailing the development as transformative for local commerce. Jason Russell, President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the strategic importance of tourism resumption for national economic stabilization.

    “This reactivation directly benefits commercial operators throughout the parish,” Russell stated to local media. “Our comprehensive recovery fundamentally depends on restoring tourist inflows and revitalizing foreign exchange circulation.”

    The Category Five hurricane had previously dealt a severe blow to Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure, making the return of maritime visitors particularly symbolic. Industry executives note that cruise tourism uniquely supports grassroots economic participants including transportation providers, artisan vendors, retail establishments, and recreational attractions.

    Joy Roberts, Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations—the Ministry of Tourism’s cruise travel division—explained the strategic prioritization of maritime tourism during reconstruction. “Recognizing hotel capacity limitations, we focused on ensuring cruise continuity since this sector directly sustains small-scale entrepreneurs and service providers,” Roberts elaborated.

    Montego Bay’s economic ecosystem remains profoundly interconnected with tourism, which accounts for over 50% of local employment and economic activity. Industry assessments indicate that cruise companies have maintained confidence in Jamaica’s operational standards despite hurricane-related challenges.

    Russell characterized the rapid resumption as potentially “record-breaking” in post-disaster tourism recovery. “A cruise ship’s arrival isn’t discretionary—it reflects rigorous assessment of port infrastructure and destination readiness. Their presence confirms our operational compliance,” he emphasized.

    Officials specifically acknowledged the Tourism Recovery Taskforce, chaired by John Byles, for expediting the return of visitor confidence. Additional cruise arrivals are scheduled throughout the coming weeks as Jamaica progresses toward full restoration of pre-hurricane maritime tourism schedules.

    Roberts concluded that the successful return demonstrates both Jamaica’s resilience and visitors’ enduring attraction to the destination, with early ship arrivals already generating substantial pedestrian activity in tourism districts.

  • Temporary lay-off for Junior Sammy workers as contracts dry up

    Temporary lay-off for Junior Sammy workers as contracts dry up

    In an unprecedented move reflecting severe industry-wide challenges, Junior Sammy Contractors Ltd—one of Trinidad and Tobago’s largest contracting firms—has issued temporary layoff notices to all permanent staff. The Claxton Bay-based company will suspend operations without pay from December 16, 2024, until January 31, 2026, marking the first such action in its four-decade history.

    The decision stems from a critical combination of factors: the completion of existing contracts without new project acquisitions for the upcoming quarter, substantial delays in government payments for past infrastructure projects, and a drastic slowdown in major infrastructural initiatives. A company spokesperson, speaking anonymously, emphasized this was an industry-wide crisis, noting they were among the last major contractors to implement such measures despite months of efforts to avoid this outcome.

    Employees will receive compensation through December 15 and retain their employment status during the hiatus. Management plans to reassess the situation in January 2026 to determine resumption dates. The company acknowledged the severe impact on workers but stated the move was necessary for long-term viability.

    This development occurs against a backdrop of mounting pressure on the government to address billions in outstanding debts to contractors. Economist Indera Sagewan recently highlighted this urgent need at the Trinidad and Tobago Contractors Association awards dinner. Meanwhile, the government’s newly launched Revitalisation Blueprint promises 129 major projects—including highway construction, port expansions, and housing developments—projected to generate 50,000 jobs. However, contractors continue grappling with pandemic-era setbacks, soaring material costs, and shipping expenses that have crippled operations across the sector.

  • Tancoo hits Imbert for finance bill complaints

    Tancoo hits Imbert for finance bill complaints

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo has vehemently rejected allegations from former finance minister Colm Imbert regarding impending tax implementations. The controversy emerged as Parliament prepared to review the Finance Bill 2025 during its December 5 House session scheduled for 1:30 PM.

    Minister Tancoo characterized Imbert’s assertions as political theatrics, stating the bill’s circulation timeline complies entirely with parliamentary procedures that have been standard practice for over a decade. Through WhatsApp communications on December 3, Tancoo emphasized that finance bills routinely follow budget approvals to implement previously outlined policies.

    The minister accused the opposition of neglecting their parliamentary duties while he works extensively to address financial and administrative challenges inherited from the previous administration. Tancoo stressed the nation requires serious governance rather than complaints about legislative processes.

    Opposition MP Imbert had taken to social media platform X on December 5, claiming the government circulated a 44-page bill containing numerous new taxes including landlord taxes, electricity surcharges, a 20% National Insurance System rate increase, and enhanced fines alongside previously announced alcohol tax hikes.

    The 2025/2026 budget presented on October 13 projects $59.232 billion in expenditure against $55.367 billion revenue, creating a $3.865 billion deficit. This contrasts with the previous PNM government’s budget that showed a $5.517 billion deficit. Tancoo’s budget calculations assume oil at US$73.25/barrel and natural gas at US$4.25/mmbtu, slightly adjusted from last year’s energy price projections.