分类： society

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has unveiled an ambitious ‘Revitalisation Blueprint’ aimed at transforming the nation’s historic prison facilities into vibrant cultural, economic, and residential spaces. The plan, launched on November 6, was presented to private sector representatives and diplomats at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s, signaling a call for both local and foreign investment.

Central to the initiative is the consolidation of all prisoners and select justice facilities into a state-of-the-art 500-acre Tamana Prison Campus, designed to house 6,000 inmates. This move is projected to save the State $60 million annually. The campus will feature a youth/juvenile detention center, agricultural facilities, training programs, and maximum-security units, all focused on education, reform, and reintegration. According to the TT Global Hub website, the project reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a fairer, more compassionate society.

Under the plan, the historic Carrera Prison Island will be redeveloped into a 75-room luxury resort, while the Port of Spain Prison will be transformed into an exhibition and event hall named ‘Dem Boyz Jail,’ inspired by the lyrics of the Mighty Shadow. The facility will include classrooms for artist education and workshops. The land currently occupied by the Golden Grove Prison will be repurposed for housing developments, featuring single-family homes, high-rise apartments, and townhouses.

In addition to these transformations, the government proposed the creation of a National Security Complex in Mt Hope to centralize national security operations. A South West Security Hub in Cedros will house the Coast Guard, Customs, and Immigration teams, with upgrades planned for the Coast Guard’s Staubles Bay and Teteron Barracks. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar described the initiative as a ‘bold modernization agenda’ essential for national security and economic growth. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander also emphasized efforts to strengthen the TT Police Service by filling vacancies to combat crime effectively.

The state has committed to releasing additional documents in multiple lawsuits filed by police officers challenging the 2023 corporal promotion exercise. This decision follows earlier disclosures in June, where individual merit list scores from the promotion process were made public. The lawsuits arose from a contentious promotion round in September 2023, which saw 861 constables promoted to corporal out of 2,342 candidates. The process was halted due to complaints about a ‘glitch’ in the Order of Merit List (OML), prompting internal audits and legal actions. In February, courts granted the constables permission to pursue a judicial review, emphasizing the need for transparency to ensure fairness and public trust in the police promotion system. The officers argue that withholding scores fosters suspicion of favoritism and undermines morale. Over 100 officers have filed similar claims, with a decision expected in January 2026. Acting ASP Gideon Dickson, president of the Police Service Social and Welfare Association, highlighted the officers’ frustration and demotivation in a February 2024 letter to then-Commissioner Erla Harewood-Christopher. Internal affidavits revealed data discrepancies between audit results and consultant reports, leading to a revised OML in January 2024. Deputy Commissioner Junior Benjamin defended the refusal to release scores under the Freedom of Information Act’s exemption provision. The officers’ attorneys, Keron Ramkhalwhan, Shalini Sankar, and Annesia Gunnes, are seeking full disclosure of individual scores and related documents from the Promotion Advisory Board.

The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) has announced it will confer honorary doctoral degrees on three exceptional individuals during its 2025 graduation ceremony. The event, scheduled for November 18 at the Lord Kitchener Auditorium, National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port-of-Spain, will also recognize Gilman Figaro as an honorary distinguished fellow. The honorary doctorates will be awarded to Peter Elias (Doctor of Fine Arts), Israel Khan, SC (Doctor of Laws), and Jamwant Maharaj (Doctor of Science). Additionally, UTT will confer seven Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in education, entrepreneurship, commercial studies, and health administration. The ceremony will celebrate approximately 1,500 graduates across disciplines such as engineering, arts, sports, and fashion. UTT Chancellor President Christine Kangaloo will preside over the event. Peter Elias, a renowned fashion designer with over 30 years of experience, has significantly contributed to Caribbean culture through his work in Carnival design and the Miss Trinidad and Tobago Pageant. Israel Khan, a prominent legal figure, has served as president of the Criminal Bar Association of TT and is recognized for his contributions to international criminal law. Jamwant Maharaj, affectionately known as the ‘Chemistry Raja,’ has made significant strides in education through his publications and teaching. Gilman Figaro, a celebrated Caribbean cultural icon, has enriched the region’s artistic landscape through music, poetry, and dance.

On November 6, members of the TT Aggregate Producers Alliance (TTAPA) staged a protest at National Quarries Ltd in Turure, Sangre Grande, calling for urgent government intervention to address what they describe as a ‘crippling’ regulatory vacuum. The protest, closely monitored by police, saw the arrest of at least one individual for disorderly conduct. TTAPA President Nigel Tenia led the demonstration, accusing the state-owned National Quarries of operating without a valid processing licence under the Minerals Act of 2000. Tenia emphasized that the alliance’s 24 members unanimously decided to suspend operations earlier this week to raise public awareness and protect themselves from potential criminal charges. He highlighted the sector’s precarious position, noting that legitimate operators are technically in breach of the law due to the absence of processing licences. Tenia called on Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal, Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John, and Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro to investigate National Quarries’ licensing status and enforce regulations uniformly across the industry. Moonilal later issued a statement acknowledging receipt of TTAPA’s October 28 letter but denied the group’s claim that no company has obtained a processing licence. The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) asserted that it has granted numerous licences in recent years and has actively engaged with operators to address licensing concerns. However, the ministry did not specify which companies hold licences or address TTAPA’s allegation that National Quarries continues to operate without one. TTAPA warned that the licensing impasse threatens thousands of jobs and could delay national construction projects, as the sector remains ‘suffocated by bureaucracy.’ The protest is set to continue until the government resolves the 25-year licensing void.

A Philippine family of seven endured a harrowing ordeal when six armed men invaded their home in the early hours of November 4, just meters away from the Prime Minister’s residence. The attackers, who claimed to be police officers, tied up the family, beat them, and ransacked their property, leaving them traumatized and seeking justice. Vijay Ragoonanan, 53, the family patriarch, sustained severe injuries to his eye and lip during the assault. The incident has reignited discussions about the proposed stand-your-ground legislation, which the family now supports as a means of self-defense. Ragoonanan, a farmer who built his home through decades of hard work, expressed his shock and disbelief, stating that he had always felt safe in the community until this brutal attack. The family, now living in fear, has appealed for assistance to secure their home and recover from the financial and emotional toll of the invasion. Police investigations are ongoing, but the family remains hopeful for stronger legal protections and the ability to defend themselves in the future.