Carib Scope

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  • PSA, CPO talks on 10% wage offer ongoing

    PSA, CPO talks on 10% wage offer ongoing

    The Public Services Association (PSA), led by President Felisha Thomas, has initiated formal discussions with Chief Personnel Officer Dr. Daryl Dindial regarding a proposed 10% salary increase for union members. The negotiations commenced at approximately 11:20 am at the CPO’s office on Alexandra Street in Port of Spain, marking a significant development in ongoing public sector compensation talks.

    This meeting follows a previous engagement on November 21, during which acting CPO Wendy Barton provided the union with a formal commitment letter promising the 10% increase. That commitment came after the PSA delivered a comprehensive presentation on current economic conditions. Dr. Dindial was absent during that meeting due to international travel commitments.

    Notably absent from today’s proceedings was the heightened publicity that typically surrounds such salary negotiations. The subdued atmosphere contrasted sharply with previous bargaining sessions, suggesting both parties are approaching these talks with deliberate seriousness.

    The discussions reached a temporary pause at 1:00 pm as both negotiating teams adjourned for lunch, with expectations to reconvene within the hour. This remains an evolving situation with potential significant implications for public sector employees across the nation.

  • St Benedict’s mystery letters query registration of ‘Naps’ players

    St Benedict’s mystery letters query registration of ‘Naps’ players

    A dramatic eligibility dispute has erupted hours before the 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division championship decider, casting a shadow over the highly anticipated title clash. Two mysterious letters, allegedly originating from St Benedict’s College acting principal Gregory Quan Kep, questioned the registration status of three Naparima College players through communications dated November 5 and November 26.

    The correspondence, disseminated to media outlets during late-night and early-morning hours on November 26-27, raised concerns about player eligibility mere hours before Naparima’s crucial match against Signal Hill Secondary. In one document, queries were raised about a Naparima player who participated in the November 3 encounter against Benedict’s, while the other letter highlighted registration matters involving two additional Naparima squad members.

    Multiple attempts to verify the letters’ authenticity proved unsuccessful, with Quan Kep remaining unresponsive to calls and WhatsApp messages. SSFL president Merere Gonzales and first vice-president were similarly unreachable. Adding to the mystery, Benedict’s manager Ravi Ramgoolam claimed no knowledge of the correspondence when contacted on November 27. SSFL assistant secretary of operations Gerald Elliot also stated he was unaware of any eligibility inquiries from the Benedict’s camp.

    The controversy emerges amid a tense championship scenario where league leaders Naparima and second-placed Signal Hill (both at 34 points) face off at Lewis Street, San Fernando. The victor will claim the premier division title, while third-placed Benedict’s (33 points) maintains mathematical possibility of securing the trophy should they defeat Trinity College East and the top-two teams draw their decisive match.

    This incident evokes memories of Benedict’s own eligibility controversy from the previous season, when the school was stripped of premier division honors after utilizing ineligible player Derrel “Zum Zum” Garcia in four matches. The infraction resulted in a devastating 12-point deduction, though Garcia still captured the 2024 Player of the Year award and guided his team to national intercol glory against eventual league champions Fatima College.

    As of publication time, Naparima officials confirmed they had received no formal communication from the SSFL regarding player protests or eligibility investigations involving their squad members.

  • 8 suspects held for sexual violence, related offences

    8 suspects held for sexual violence, related offences

    In a significant law enforcement operation targeting gender-based crimes, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has apprehended eight individuals suspected of sexual violence and related offenses. The specialized five-day initiative, conducted by the Special Victims Department (SVD), spanned all police divisions nationwide between November 20-25.

    The comprehensive anti-crime exercise resulted in arrests connected to 14 outstanding cases involving severe criminal charges. These included attempted murder, rape, sexual penetration, grievous sexual assault, kidnapping, and domestic violence-related crimes according to the official TTPS statement released on November 27.

    Deputy Commissioner of Police Natasha George led the strategic operation alongside Assistant Commissioner Richard Smith and Senior Superintendent Winston Maharaj. The coordinated effort featured Superintendent Darryl Ramdass as operational coordinator, with legal support provided by Woman Sergeant Sookram-Loutan. Divisional inspectors and sergeants ensured direct field supervision throughout the mission.

    This police action aligns with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, observed annually from November 25 to December 10. The TTPS emphasized that the operation reflects their “sustained, department-wide commitment to addressing crimes that disproportionately affect women, girls, and vulnerable individuals.”

    Law enforcement authorities have urged public cooperation, encouraging citizens to report incidents of domestic violence, sexual assault, and exploitation through multiple channels. The Gender-Based Violence Unit hotline (999 or 555) and all police stations remain available for confidential reporting, with assurances of “swift intervention” for all cases.

    The TTPS confirmed that SVD operations will intensify throughout the 16-day activism period and beyond, reinforcing their mission to create safer communities and ensure justice for survivors. The police service called for national unity in “rejecting violence, supporting survivors, and fostering a culture of respect and accountability.”

  • High Court dismisses UNC activist’s claim against ex-Speaker

    High Court dismisses UNC activist’s claim against ex-Speaker

    In a definitive judgment reinforcing the separation of powers, the Trinidad and Tobago High Court has emphatically dismissed a judicial review claim brought by United National Congress (UNC) activist Ravi Balgobin Maharaj. The case centered on former House Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George’s refusal to incorporate Maharaj’s written rebuttal into the official parliamentary record following statements made about him during legislative proceedings.

    Justice Joan Charles, delivering her November 26 ruling, determined that the Speaker’s decision—made pursuant to Standing Order 18 of the House of Representatives’ Standing Orders—falls squarely within Parliament’s exclusive domain over its internal affairs. This jurisdiction, the court affirmed, enjoys constitutional protection from judicial interference.

    The court recognized that Trinidad and Tobago’s Constitution expressly incorporates all privileges and immunities of the United Kingdom parliament into its own House of Representatives. Justice Charles concurred with arguments presented by state attorneys that the Speaker’s determination did not constitute an infringement of Maharaj’s fundamental rights and remained shielded by parliamentary privilege.

    “The Speaker of the House of Representatives serves as the sole adjudicator regarding the interpretation and application of Standing Orders,” Justice Charles stated in her written decision. “Matters concerning the veracity or basis of members’ statements lie beyond the Speaker’s purview—and consequently outside judicial review.”

    The legal challenge emerged from Maharaj’s contention that remarks delivered in Parliament had damaged his reputation and that the Speaker’s refusal to allow his response violated his constitutional right to legal protection and natural justice. He sought declarations that the May 2024 decisions were unfair, irrational, and unconstitutional.

    However, the court emphasized that Standing Order 18—which permits non-members referenced in debate to submit written responses—explicitly prohibits the Speaker from evaluating the truthfulness of either the original statements or the rebuttal. This procedural mechanism, Justice Charles noted, exists primarily as an internal parliamentary accommodation rather than a legally enforceable right.

    Representing the state, Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes and Deborah Peake successfully argued that judicial examination of the Speaker’s motives would violate constitutional separation of powers. The court agreed, dismissing both the claim and leave application while directing parties to submit cost arguments within 30 days.

    The ruling reinforces the autonomy of parliamentary proceedings throughout Commonwealth jurisdictions and establishes significant precedent regarding the limits of judicial intervention in legislative affairs.

  • Two break out of French jail in ‘old-fashioned’ bed sheets escape

    Two break out of French jail in ‘old-fashioned’ bed sheets escape

    DIJON, France — A daring prison escape in eastern France has cast a harsh spotlight on the nation’s severe prison overcrowding problem. Two inmates successfully broke out of Dijon Correctional Facility in the predawn hours of Thursday using an improvised method reminiscent of classic prison films, according to judicial authorities.

    Prosecutor Olivier Caracotch confirmed that the fugitives—a 19-year-old awaiting trial for attempted murder and a 32-year-old convicted of domestic violence—had sawed through their cell bars using manual blades before descending to freedom with knotted bed sheets. The escape was discovered during routine guard checks shortly before dawn.

    The incident underscores systemic failures within France’s penal system, which suffers from some of Europe’s worst overcrowding conditions. Dijon’s aging facility, originally constructed in 1853, currently houses 311 inmates in a space designed for 180—a occupancy rate exceeding 170%.

    Ahmed Saih, a union representative for prison officers, revealed that staff had repeatedly warned administration about security vulnerabilities after previous discoveries of saw blades within the prison. “We’ve been warning about the risk of a jail break for months,” Saih stated, demanding increased staffing and modern security equipment including saw-resistant bar materials.

    The escape follows another recent security breach in Rennes where an inmate fled during an off-site excursion to a planetarium. That fugitive was apprehended Thursday in a traveler community camp near Nantes, prompting Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin to dismiss the prison’s director.

    Three prison directors’ unions have launched scathing criticism against Minister Darmanin, accusing his administration of prioritizing new supermax prisons for drug traffickers and terrorist suspects while neglecting mainstream correctional facilities. In a joint statement, they condemned the “devotion of all resources of a debt-ridden state” to high-security facilities at the expense of ordinary prisons.

    Firsthand accounts from recently released inmates describe intolerable conditions, with three prisoners frequently sharing cells designed for one—two occupying bunk beds while a third sleeps on the floor. The justice ministry acknowledges the infrastructure crisis but has yet to announce concrete measures addressing the systemic overcrowding highlighted by these security failures.

  • WATCH: Clean-up at Santa Cruz Infirmary underway

    WATCH: Clean-up at Santa Cruz Infirmary underway

    A comprehensive recovery initiative is currently in progress at the Santa Cruz Infirmary in St. Elizabeth, addressing severe structural damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa approximately one month ago. The catastrophic weather event resulted in extensive flooding and roof destruction at the facility that provides care for vulnerable residents.

    Under the leadership of Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, a multi-agency task force convened on Thursday to execute critical clean-up and repair operations. The coordinated effort brought together expertise from the Social Development Commission (SDC), the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), and the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB).

    The infirmary, which typically houses around 50 residents, has implemented temporary co-educational arrangements following substantial devastation to the female ward. This emergency measure has allowed continued operation despite the significant infrastructure challenges.

    Matron Bianca Michelle Smith expressed profound gratitude for the governmental response, characterizing the support as emotionally uplifting for both staff and residents. “I am quite elated and happy for the response shown by the minister…especially Minister McKenzie to come and pull together this team to come and fix the infirmary,” Smith stated.

    Recounting the traumatic experience during the hurricane, Smith revealed that floodwaters reached waist-level within the facility, creating life-threatening conditions. She credited a collapsed perimeter wall with preventing even greater catastrophe by allowing water to partially drain from the building.

    The psychological impact on residents has been substantial, with many experiencing disorientation and distress following the disaster. Smith noted that patients struggled to recognize their transformed living environment and lost personal belongings to flood damage. Nursing staff have provided essential emotional support and counseling alongside physical care, helping residents gradually adapt to their changed circumstances amid ongoing recovery efforts.

  • Public service digitisation wins President’s awards

    Public service digitisation wins President’s awards

    In a landmark celebration of technological advancement in public service, the eighth annual President’s Award for Innovation in Service Excellence (PrAISE) ceremony at President’s House, St Ann’s on November 27 showcased groundbreaking digital initiatives transforming citizen services.

    The North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) emerged as a standout winner, securing the prestigious President’s Award in the internal user experience category for its revolutionary Digital Health Information System. Chief Executive Anthony Blake characterized the achievement as “a victory for both NWRHA patients and the dedicated team driving this initiative since 2019.”

    This comprehensive digital ecosystem represents a monumental shift from paper-based medical documentation to a unified digital platform spanning hospitals, health centers, and community services. The conversion process employs specialized scanning technology and involves young professionals in on-the-job training programs working alongside medical records personnel to ensure accurate digitization of patient histories.

    Blake revealed the authority’s ongoing development of a mobile application version that will empower both healthcare providers and patients to better manage medical information, promising significantly streamlined service delivery.

    Similarly transformative, the Ministry of Education claimed the citizen experience award for its First Year Infant Registration System—a digital platform that has revolutionized school placement procedures through simplified digital processes.

    President Christine Kangaloo emphasized the critical importance of such innovations, stating: “Service culture improvement necessitates fundamentally reimagining our operational methodologies, citizen engagement strategies, and creative problem-solving capabilities among public officers. Achieving superior outcomes is impossible while clinging to obsolete systems and traditional approaches—innovation must become the connective tissue unifying all improvement efforts.”

    Additional recognition included audience choice awards going to the Health Ministry’s substance abuse prevention workshop and NALIS’s Marrakesh Project enhancing accessibility for visually impaired citizens. Public voting honored the Women’s Health Directorate’s maternal-newborn surveillance system and IGovTT’s AI-powered Anansi government information platform.

    The Inter-American Development Bank’s senior health specialist Ian Ho-A-Shu reaffirmed the institution’s commitment, noting: “PrAISE has consistently provided an essential platform fostering innovation, collaboration, and morale within Trinidad and Tobago’s public service. As a development institution, we remain dedicated to institutional strengthening and capacity building—principles powerfully embodied by this initiative.”

  • CCJ president: Court has fulfilled mandate of regional justice

    CCJ president: Court has fulfilled mandate of regional justice

    The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has successfully fulfilled its two-decade mandate of developing an autonomous Caribbean legal framework and enhancing regional access to justice, President Justice Winston Anderson declared at the CCJ Academy of Law’s eighth biennial conference in Port of Spain. The November 26 event, part of the court’s 20th anniversary celebrations, highlighted the CCJ’s transformative impact since its April 2005 inauguration as a landmark achievement in judicial independence.

    Justice Anderson revealed the court has delivered 312 appellate decisions spanning constitutional, criminal, civil, land, family, and contract law, fundamentally reshaping long-standing legal doctrines and establishing minimum regional standards in criminal justice. These judgments have been cited over 450 times by courts across common-law Caribbean jurisdictions, including nations that haven’t formally adopted the CCJ as their final appellate authority.

    In its original jurisdiction, the CCJ has proven indispensable to the Caricom Single Market and Economy, serving as exclusive arbiter for disputes under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. ‘The CCJ is not a court imposed on us by anyone,’ Anderson emphasized. ‘It is a reality of our own making, our collective imagination and resources. It is interwoven into the fabric of Caribbean life.’

    The conference also honored the legacy of late Justice Jacob ‘Bob’ Wit, the court’s inaugural civil-law jurist from Curaçao who served until his December 2023 retirement. Anderson credited Wit with challenging and enriching the court’s common-law traditions through his unique perspective and wry humor, while also playing a central role in establishing the CCJ Academy of Law in 2010.

    Justice Chantal Ononaiwu, CCJ judge and academy deputy chair, outlined the conference’s critical examination of Caribbean jurisprudence development, emphasizing cross-cutting themes including technology’s impact on legal evolution and the interaction between domestic and international law.

    Caricom General Counsel Lisa Shoman, SC, hailed the anniversary as both ‘a milestone and a seminal achievement,’ noting that young Caribbean lawyers now navigate a significantly more complex legal landscape than previous generations. Inter-American Development Bank representative Anton Edmunds reaffirmed institutional support for regional justice systems, highlighting the bank’s One Safe Caribbean initiative focused on combating organized crime and strengthening justice-sector capacity through digital innovation and public education.

  • Mitchell tells diplomats to do the ‘honourable thing’ as Fox confirms election bid

    Mitchell tells diplomats to do the ‘honourable thing’ as Fox confirms election bid

    NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell has delivered a forceful declaration regarding diplomatic conduct, asserting that ambassadors unable to fully endorse the government’s mandate should recognize their appropriate course of action. The statement arrives amid Ambassador-at-Large Rick Fox’s declared intentions to pursue elected office while maintaining his diplomatic position.

    Minister Mitchell emphasized established diplomatic conventions requiring all ambassadors to submit resignations following the confirmation of a new administration, regardless of whether the incumbent party retains power. He characterized this protocol as neither novel nor exceptional within international diplomatic practice.

    ‘An ambassador represents the government, its policies, and its positions abroad,’ Mitchell stated in an official communication. ‘Should any ambassador find themselves incapable of faithfully executing this mandate due to ideological disagreements with the appointing authority, the honorable path forward is self-evident. No explicit directive is necessary; honorable individuals inherently understand the required actions in such circumstances.’

    The minister simultaneously addressed what he termed ‘baseless and damaging’ allegations from Opposition Leader Michael Pintard concerning passport administration and Bahamasair operations. Mitchell dismissed these claims as demonstrably false and counterproductive to national interests.

    ‘A particular public official persists in circulating claims that have been thoroughly disproven,’ Mitchell continued. ‘This conduct benefits neither the public, the nation, nor the individual involved. It merely erodes institutional trust and generates unwarranted confusion. These activities should terminate immediately.’

    The ruling Progressive Liberal Party has formally challenged Pintard to either produce substantiating evidence for his allegations or retract them entirely. Mitchell reinforced that his ministry remains dedicated to fulfilling its governmental responsibilities while maintaining the high standards expected by Bahamian citizens.

  • Thompson ‘baffled’ as official results show 4,000 voters stayed home

    Thompson ‘baffled’ as official results show 4,000 voters stayed home

    Election officials in The Bahamas expressed profound puzzlement at the strikingly low voter participation during Monday’s Golden Isles by-election, where official data revealed more than 4,000 registered voters abstained from casting ballots. Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson disclosed that merely 3,884 individuals exercised their democratic right despite a constituency registry of 7,926 eligible voters.

    The electoral outcome saw Progressive Liberal Party candidate Darron Pickstock secure victory with 1,873 votes, followed by Free National Movement contender Brian Brown with 1,637 votes. Brian Rolle of the Coalition of Independents garnered 352 votes, while independent candidate Karen Butler received 16 votes, with six ballots invalidated as spoiled.

    This alarming voter disengagement has triggered concerns across political establishments and electoral observers. Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard acknowledged his party’s need to intensify voter mobilization efforts, while PLP insiders expressed apprehension about potential implications for the approaching general election.

    Commissioner Thompson suggested the proximity of expected national elections might have diminished voter motivation for this interim contest. Historical patterns indicate governing parties typically perform strongly in Bahamian by-elections, with the PLP having dominated most such contests since independence.

    The electoral atmosphere intensified when former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham predicted prior to the vote that a PLP victory would precipitate an early general election, potentially by March, while a loss would cause the governing party to ‘stench’—presumably meaning stall or become stagnant.

    Post-election developments show increased activity at satellite registration stations nationwide, though Thompson anticipates minimal impact on overall registration numbers given the existing national registry has surpassed 196,000—an all-time high. Simultaneously, authorities continue urging residents to verify information for newly implemented biometric identification cards.

    With Golden Isles and Killarney maintaining their status as the most populous constituencies, and Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis having previously supported boundary adjustments to balance voter distribution rather than create new seats, Thompson confirmed his department stands prepared to implement whatever changes the electoral commission may recommend.