作者： admin

A Trinidad and Tobago High Court judge has expressed profound concern over the Director of Public Prosecutions’ explanation for failing to file indictments against three police officers nearly five years after they were committed to stand trial.

Justice Frank Seepersad, presiding over a December 2 status hearing for the officers’ judicial review claim, characterized DPP Roger Gaspard’s explanation as raising “serious constitutional concerns” regarding the justice system’s handling of delayed cases.

The case involves Sgt Lester Garcia, Cpl Sheldon Peterson, and PC Dexter Edwards, who faced three counts of misbehavior in public office since their initial charges in October 2014. The officers were committed to stand trial in January 2020. Tragically, Peterson, who had been suspended pending trial, was killed during a botched robbery in 2024.

Gaspard asserted in an October 21 affidavit that the inability to proceed with indictments stems from incomplete documentation from the Arima Magistrates’ Courts. Specifically, audio recordings of the main witness’s testimony were deemed “indecipherable,” preventing prosecutors from preparing necessary transcripts and conducting a lawful evidence review.

The DPP explained that without usable recordings, his office cannot determine whether a prima facie case exists or assess whether prosecution serves the public interest—a constitutional requirement under section 90 of the Constitution. Although Gaspard instructed his staff to accept the compromised bundle in November 2023, he intended to return the matter to the magistrate for additional evidence. This plan was complicated by the subsequent appointment of presiding magistrate Indrani Cedeno as a temporary judge.

Gaspard revealed his office is currently reviewing approximately 400 capital matters for indictment, with 569 indictments pending at the Port of Spain office at the time of the officers’ committal. He cited systemic challenges, including statutory requirements and limited staffing, noting that delays of several years are not unusual in Trinidad’s justice system.

However, Justice Seepersad challenged the normalization of extended delays, stating the court “should not genuflect to that practice” given the justice system’s obligation to ensure timely trials. The judge indicated that staffing constraints described in the affidavit “may suggest systemic issues” requiring significant resourcing.

The case now raises fundamental constitutional questions about what guarantees exist for accused persons awaiting High Court trials and what constitutes a reasonable timeframe for filing indictments. Justice Seepersad is expected to deliver a ruling on February 24, 2026, which could have significant implications for Trinidad’s criminal justice procedures.

In a distinguished ceremony held on November 18, twin sisters Kathy and Karen Norman—renowned for their influential medium band K2K Alliance and Partners—were formally inducted into the Hall of Excellence at St Joseph Convent, Port of Spain. The event, hosted biennially at the school’s chapel on Pembroke Street, celebrates exceptional alumni who have made significant contributions to society.

Established in 2001 by the school’s Past Pupils’ Association, this year’s induction was graced by Archbishop Jason Gordon, who delivered the opening prayer. Maritza Ramphal, the school’s current principal and first vice-president of the association, provided welcoming remarks, while Effuah Alleyne, president of the Past Pupils’ Association, concluded with a vote of thanks.

The Norman twins stood among twelve honorees, including Meta’s Vice President of Accessibility and Engagement Maxine Williams, Arrive Alive President Sharon Inglefield, and former SJC principal Anna Pounder. Their pen portraits highlighted extraordinary academic achievements, with each twin securing ten CSEC subjects—including art, where both received awards for their submissions titled ‘The Cycle of Life’ and ‘Life in its Complexity.’

Their early artistic development was further shaped by interviews with mas designers Peter Minshall and Wayne Berkeley, conducted as part of their School-Based Assessments. These experiences ignited their passion for costume design and creative expression. Throughout their school years, the twins consistently contributed their artistic talents to class and school projects. At the Advanced Level, Karen was recognized as the Caribbean’s most outstanding art student, and both portfolios were retained by Cambridge as exemplary references for future generations.

A significant communication breakdown has emerged between Trinidad’s Public Services Association (PSA) and the Office of the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) regarding the implementation of a recently negotiated wage agreement for public servants, casting uncertainty over the promised $3.8 billion in back payments.

PSA President Felisha Thomas announced on December 2nd that her union had secured a landmark memorandum of agreement (MoA) with the government, featuring a 10% wage increase and full cash payment of arrears by December 23rd. In a circular to members, Thomas declared victory, stating the agreement represented “financial relief” and “recognition of your hard work.”

However, Chief Personnel Officer Dr. Daryl Dindial provided a contradictory account to Newsday, revealing that the December payment would constitute only a partial advance—approximately $500 million—rather than the full $3.8 billion owed. He clarified that the complete arrears settlement would require extended negotiations in January and would likely be distributed across multiple fiscal years to avoid straining government finances.

Dr. Dindial further explained that the final settlement package would likely combine cash payments with non-cash benefits, potentially including debt forgiveness for housing mortgages, health benefits, and other allowances. This approach aims to minimize the state’s cash flow impact while providing meaningful relief to workers.

The CPO’s office subsequently issued a press release describing the negotiations as “memorable” but conspicuously omitted any reference to the December 23rd deadline for full payment mentioned by the PSA president.

When questioned about the conflicting messages, Dr. Dindial declined to comment on President Thomas’s statements but directed the public to the CPO’s official website for accurate information regarding the wage negotiation process. He emphasized the government’s responsible fiscal approach, noting that the Ministry of Finance had not previously allocated funds for such substantial arrears payments.

Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago have launched a comprehensive murder investigation following the discovery of 37-year-old Jamal ‘Tallo’ Arthur’s body on Cordial Avenue in Cashew Gardens. The victim was found with fatal gunshot wounds on the morning of December 1st, marking a tragic culmination of violence that began hours earlier.

According to police reports, the sequence of events commenced around 10 pm on November 30th when Arthur and two companions were ambushed by two masked assailants. The attackers physically pushed aside one member of the group before opening fire with five rounds directed at a 30-year-old man walking with Arthur. One bullet struck the younger victim in the neck, prompting the perpetrators to flee into nearby vegetation.

The injured man received immediate medical attention and was transported to a local hospital where he remains in stable yet critical condition. Meanwhile, Arthur’s whereabouts remained unknown until the following morning when a civilian passerby discovered his lifeless body in close proximity to the initial shooting location.

Law enforcement officials are treating these incidents as connected and are pursuing multiple investigative avenues. The Cashew Gardens community has expressed heightened concern over the brazen nature of the attack, which occurred in a residential area. Police forensic teams have conducted extensive scene examinations, collecting ballistic evidence and witness statements to identify potential suspects.

This case represents the latest in a series of violent incidents that have prompted renewed discussions about community safety and law enforcement responses in the region. Investigators are appealing to the public for any information that might lead to breakthroughs in the case.

On December 5th, twenty-two years ago, Dr. Lester Philip experienced the profound silence that follows stillbirth—a moment when anticipated joy transformed into unimaginable sorrow. His son, envisioned as the ultimate Christmas gift, entered the world without breath or heartbeat, leaving behind dreams of birthdays, bedtime stories, and park walks that would never be realized.

In a deeply personal reflection, Philip compares grief to the loyalty of a bereaved dog that waits persistently for its departed owner—an image that captures the enduring nature of love beyond loss. He describes how specific locations—nursing homes, cemeteries, churches—trigger vivid recollections, demonstrating how memory persists despite societal pressures to ‘move on.’

The narrative draws parallels to cultural touchstones like the film Hachiko and the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son, illustrating unwavering devotion. After years of spiritual wrestling, Philip arrived at a transformative perspective: perhaps his son’s passing represented divine mercy rather than punishment—protection from future heartbreaks and worldly pain.

Though brief, Philip cherishes the moment he held his son’s perfectly still face. Through technological advancements facilitated by The Ohio State University, he has gained glimpses of what his child might have looked like growing up—an experience blending sadness with wonder.

Philip concludes with a message of solidarity for anyone experiencing loss, emphasizing that grief connects humanity while memories perpetuate love. Each December 5th, he expresses gratitude for the gift of fatherhood, however fleeting, recognizing that profound love can simultaneously break and heal the human heart.