作者： admin

The timely delivery of justice remains a cornerstone of any progressive society, yet it is an issue that continues to plague judicial systems across the Caribbean. This concern was recently brought to the forefront by Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh during his address at the Law Association’s annual dinner on November 14. His remarks underscored the fundamental right of citizens to expect fair and timely resolutions to their legal matters. However, the reality often falls short of this ideal, with cases languishing for years before reaching a conclusion. This delay not only undermines the effectiveness of the judicial system but also erodes public trust in the rule of law. The situation in Barbados serves as a stark example. Faced with chronic delays, the Barbados Parliament took drastic measures in 2019, amending its Constitution to allow for the removal of judges who fail to deliver judgments within six months. While such extreme measures may not be necessary elsewhere, they highlight the severity of the issue and the need for systemic reform. The legal community must engage in meaningful dialogue to establish clear guidelines for the timely delivery of judgments. Attorneys, who are already bound by court-imposed deadlines, could play a pivotal role in shaping these policies. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that justice is not only served but served promptly, as delays often render legal remedies ineffective. This discussion is not a critique of the dedication or integrity of judges but a call to action to strengthen the judicial system for the benefit of all citizens.

Jack Warner, the 82-year-old former FIFA vice president, has added another milestone to his diverse career by earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Entrepreneurship and Commercial Studies. The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) conferred the degree on November 18 during its 2025 graduation ceremony held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain. Warner’s doctoral thesis, titled ‘Corporate Entrepreneurship and Disruptive Business Model Innovation for Adoption in the Local Print Media,’ explored the challenges faced by the print media industry in adapting to digital transformation. Drawing from his experience as the publisher of the weekly Sunshine newspaper, Warner proposed innovative strategies to help traditional media remain competitive in a digital-first era. His research emphasized the importance of diversifying revenue streams and maintaining credibility in an evolving media landscape. Warner’s academic journey was supervised by Professor Prakash Persad, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, and Professor Pooran Bridgemohan. Accompanied by his supervisors, Warner received a warm reception from President Christine Kangaloo and acting UTT president Rean Maharaj. He was among seven PhD graduates during the morning session and made history as UTT’s oldest doctoral recipient. Warner, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Diploma in International Relations from the University of the West Indies, expressed his elation, stating that his achievement proves ‘education does not have a shelf life.’ He credited his professors, family, and colleagues for their unwavering support during challenging moments. Warner also shared his hope that his accomplishment would inspire young people in Trinidad and Tobago to pursue their dreams relentlessly. Currently studying law, Warner continues his educational journey, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning. His son, Daryll, expressed pride in his father’s determination and success, vowing to follow in his footsteps. Warner’s academic triumph comes after a decade-long extradition case related to corruption charges during his FIFA tenure collapsed in the High Court on September 23. Justice Karen Reid ruled that the extradition process was ‘flawed,’ marking a significant legal victory for Warner. Reflecting on his journey, Warner emphasized his mission to rebuild his life and reputation.

In a significant legal development, Andrew Sutton, a Malabar resident accused of the 2021 murder of Arouca businessman Nicholas Mohith, has been acquitted by the High Court. Justice Nalini Singh delivered the verdict following a judge-only trial at the Hall of Justice in Port of Spain. Sutton had been charged with the fatal shooting of Mohith, who was killed at his business premises on March 11, 2021. The incident occurred when an unidentified gunman entered the establishment and shot Mohith before fleeing the scene. Another individual, Renaldo Thomas, was also charged in connection with the murder but was discharged earlier this year due to the prosecution’s failure to present sufficient evidence. Thomas’s case faced repeated delays due to the State’s non-compliance with disclosure requirements, leading to multiple adjournments. Ultimately, Master Sarah De Silva ruled that no further extensions would be granted, and with no evidence presented, Thomas was discharged under Section 24 of the Administration of Justice (Preliminary Inquiries) Act. Sutton was represented by attorneys Delicia Helwig-Robertson and Sara Julien, while the prosecution was led by Shervon Noriega and Cassie Bisram.

The future of Carnival 2026 in Trinidad and Tobago remains uncertain as two major venues—the Hasely Crawford Stadium (HCS) and the Jean Pierre Complex—have been banned from hosting fetes for most of the season. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced on November 18 that these venues will only be available for a nine-day window, from the Thursday before Carnival Monday to the Saturday after, with strict operating hours from 12 noon to 10 pm. This follows the earlier decision to prohibit events at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) in Tarouba. Persad-Bissessar emphasized the need to balance cultural traditions with community well-being, addressing concerns over noise pollution. The National Carnival Commission has been tasked with improving sound systems to mitigate noise issues. Promoters are now scrambling to find alternative venues, with some events likely to be canceled. Jules Sobion, a prominent event producer, remains optimistic, stressing the importance of delivering a memorable Carnival experience. Meanwhile, Woodbrook residents have expressed support for measures to control noise, advocating for coexistence with disciplined event planning.