The Fathers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago (TFATT) has demanded immediate legislative reforms following alarming data revealing that one in every three men tested over a five-year period was not the biological father of the child they believed to be theirs. TFATT President Rhondall Feeles disclosed that between January 2020 and September 2025, 440 paternity tests were conducted, with 143 men (approximately 33%) discovering they were not the biological fathers. Feeles emphasized the emotional and legal ramifications of such revelations, citing cases where men faced legal troubles over child maintenance for children they later discovered were not biologically theirs. One notable case involved Marlon Thompson, who paid TT$35,000 in maintenance for a child later proven not to be his through DNA testing. Despite the maintenance order being revoked, Thompson still faced legal consequences due to an unresolved warrant, which was eventually quashed by a High Court Judge two years later. Feeles also highlighted a 2019 case where a man learned during a custody hearing that the two children he had been supporting were not his. The magistrate dismissed the wife’s maintenance application, but the man was left emotionally devastated. TFATT is urging policymakers to revisit the 2018 Joint Select Committee (JSC) recommendations, which called for mandatory DNA testing before maintenance orders are issued. The association has written to Attorney General John Jeremie and Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh, proposing legislation to criminalize paternity fraud, mandate DNA testing, and provide compensation and counseling for affected fathers and children. While Jeremie expressed interest, Feeles acknowledged that legislative changes would take time. The Chief Justice’s office has indicated that the matter is under consideration.
分类： society
-
St James kicks off massive clean-up operation following Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, a comprehensive clean-up initiative has been launched in St James, Jamaica. Spearheaded by the St James Municipal Corporation and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), the operation commenced on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, with Catherine Hall and Westgreen being the first areas targeted. The effort involves a robust deployment of resources, including heavy equipment, tipper trucks, and a dedicated workforce comprising laborers and chainsaw operators. Audley Gordon, Executive Director of the NSWMA, emphasized the urgency of the task, describing the current living conditions in affected communities as ‘subhuman.’ He expressed hope for favorable weather to facilitate a thorough clean-up and restoration process. Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon outlined the phased approach, starting with Westgreen and Catherine Hall, followed by the city center, with the aim of restoring normalcy by the weekend. The operation also includes providing essential services such as potable water, food aid, and assistance in cleaning homes to support the residents in rebuilding their lives.
-
Trelawny residents join long queues to fetch river water after Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, residents of Trelawny, Jamaica, are grappling with a severe water shortage as the National Water Commission (NWC) struggles to restore piped water services. The Martha Brae River, which reportedly overflowed during the storm, has become a critical source of water for many. Long queues of residents have been observed along the roadway from Martha Brae to Falmouth, collecting untreated river water for essential domestic uses such as bathing, laundry, and flushing toilets. The situation has drawn significant attention, with motor vehicles lining both sides of the road as people fill containers with the available water. One resident commented, ‘It’s clean river water flowing on both sides of the road. We don’t drink it directly, but if necessary, we can boil it.’ The crisis highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities in the aftermath of natural disasters, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure resilience and emergency response improvements.
-
Gov’t launches new support programme for parishes impacted by Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has unveiled a robust Building Support Programme aimed at accelerating recovery efforts across the island. The announcement was made during a parliamentary session on Tuesday, emphasizing the initiative’s focus on empowering Members of Parliament (MPs) to lead localized relief efforts.
-
Reddit and Kick to be included in Australia’s social media ban
Australia is set to enforce one of the world’s most stringent social media bans targeting users under the age of 16, with popular platforms Reddit and Kick joining the list of restricted websites starting December 10. The announcement was made by Communications Minister Anika Wells on Wednesday, highlighting the government’s commitment to safeguarding children online. The new legislation will require platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to remove underage users or face hefty fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (USD 32 million). Wells emphasized that while technology has been used to target children, it should now be leveraged to protect them. The ban aims to ensure children can enjoy their childhood while giving parents peace of mind. However, experts have raised concerns about the law’s effectiveness, with some labeling it as symbolic. Platforms like Roblox, Discord, and WhatsApp remain unaffected for now, though streaming site Twitch is under review. The government has clarified that the list of banned platforms is not static and may evolve. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant noted that while age restrictions are a powerful tool, they are not a quick fix. Social media companies have criticized the laws as vague and rushed, but the government has maintained that platforms must take reasonable steps to detect and deactivate underage accounts.
-
Fathers’ Association wants mandatory DNA tests: One-third of paternity tests negative
A recent survey conducted by the Fathers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago (TFATT) has unveiled startling statistics regarding paternity tests, prompting renewed calls for mandatory DNA testing before the issuance of child maintenance orders. The findings, disclosed at a media conference held on November 3 at Computer Tech and Services in Couva, revealed that nearly one-third of paternity tests conducted over the past five years at a judiciary-approved laboratory showed that the alleged father was not biologically related to the child.
-
Diving tragedy survivor files negligence claim against Paria Fuel Trading, LMCS
Christopher Boodram, the sole survivor of the 2022 Paria Fuel diving tragedy, has filed an amended claim in the High Court, accusing Paria Fuel Trading Co Ltd and LMCS Ltd of negligence in the incident that claimed the lives of four of his colleagues. Boodram, 39, sought permission to revise his statement of case on October 24, following new medical reports diagnosing him with post-concussion syndrome, spinal injuries, and chronic neurological and sexual dysfunction resulting from the accident. His application was supported by an orthopedic report from Dr. Rishi Jagdeo, dated October 22.
The tragic event occurred on February 25, 2022, when Boodram and four other divers—Kazim Ali Jr, Yusuf Henry, Rishi Nagassar, and Fyzal Kurban—were performing maintenance on a 30-inch underwater pipeline at Berth 6, Pointe-a-Pierre. They were suddenly sucked into the pipeline by a powerful differential pressure event known as Delta P. Boodram, who spent nearly four hours trapped in the dark, oil-filled pipeline, was the only one to survive.
In his claim, Boodram alleges that both Paria and LMCS failed to identify and mitigate the risk of a Delta P event, provide proper safety equipment, or establish an emergency response plan. He also accuses Paria of obstructing rescue efforts by volunteers and LMCS divers. Boodram’s legal team, led by Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan, argues that both companies breached their duty of care. They cite findings from the commission of enquiry (CoE) report issued by chairman Jerome Lynch, KC, in November 2023, which highlighted ambiguous instructions and poor oversight by both companies as contributing factors to the deaths.
Boodram, who was rescued by diver Ronald Ramoutar after defying a no-dive order, continues to suffer from severe physical and psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, speech impairment, and an 80% permanent partial disability. He is seeking general and special damages, including loss of earnings estimated at $438,927.45, as well as aggravated damages for emotional distress and alleged mistreatment post-incident.
The court has ordered Boodram to file and serve his amended statement of case by November 10, with the defendants’ amended defences due by November 20. The case is set for a management conference on May 5, 2026, presided over by Justice Christopher Sieuchand. Separate claims by Vanessa Kussie, the widow of diver Rishi Nagassar, and ancillary proceedings between LMCS and Paria are also part of the matter, with each company attempting to shift full liability to the other.
LMCS has consistently denied responsibility, asserting that Paria was to blame for both the unsafe conditions and the failure to conduct a timely rescue. The company’s lawyers argue that Paria is guilty of gross negligence based on evidence presented to the CoE. Meanwhile, both companies and their executives face separate OSHA charges and ongoing proceedings under the Workmen’s Compensation Act.
Attorney Prakash Ramadhar, representing the families of Kurban and Henry, has proposed an ex gratia payment of $5 million to each family. Former Prime Minister Stuart Young had announced a $1 million ex gratia payment for each family and Boodram before the April 28 general election, but as of November, the payments remain unresolved due to legal and logistical issues. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has expressed commitment to compensation but emphasized the need to address legal complications first.
-
Relative: Rio Claro man killed over obeah debt
The murder of Sylvan ‘Lawah’ Boodan, a 58-year-old businessman from Jeffers Crossing, Tabaquite Road, has left the community of Rio Claro in shock. Boodan was fatally shot on the morning of November 3 at R. Baldeosingh Services Ltd (RBSL), a construction company along San Pedro Road, Poole Village. While police investigators have yet to determine a motive, relatives suspect the killing may be linked to an unresolved obeah debt.
Boodan, who owned Gloria Bar on the ground floor of his residence, also worked as a straightener and painter at RBSL. Reports indicate that on the day of the incident, he was called out by name by a man near his car. After a brief exchange, a single gunshot was heard, and the gunman fled the scene. Boodan collapsed and died in front of his car.
A relative revealed that the family believes the murder could be connected to a dispute involving unpaid services to an ‘obeah man’ earlier this year. The dispute reportedly began in July when the alleged spiritual advisor claimed Boodan owed money for services performed against a woman. The woman allegedly reported an ‘obeah death threat’ to the police in August but did not receive a receipt for her complaint.
Boodan lived on the same compound with his ex-wife, Gloria, and other relatives. The couple, who were divorced, had no children together. Their divorce settlement was finalized in court on September 26. Relatives described Boodan as a hardworking and respected man with no known enemies in the area.
A villager who witnessed the aftermath of the shooting reported seeing a masked man running along San Pedro Road with what appeared to be a gun. The villager expressed disappointment that police did not immediately pursue the suspect. Officers later conducted a search but failed to locate the killer.
Residents of San Pedro expressed disbelief over the incident, stating that such violence is uncommon in their community. Investigations by the Rio Claro police station, Eastern Division units, and the Homicide Bureau of Investigations (Region II) are ongoing.
-
French priest accused of sexually abusing minor refugees in Morocco
RABAT, Morocco – The Catholic Archbishop of Rabat, Cristobal Lopez Romero, has affirmed his full cooperation with both Moroccan and international authorities following allegations of sexual abuse involving a French priest in Casablanca. The accusations, first reported by Moroccan news outlet Enass, claim that Father Antoine Exelmans orchestrated a “system of sexual exploitation” targeting underage migrants and refugees over a span of at least four years.
-
Attorney David Cash sues police, AG over Freeport arrest
Attorney David P Cash has initiated a Supreme Court claim against the Commissioner of Police and the Attorney General, alleging unlawful arrest, assault, and constitutional rights violations during an incident in Freeport last year. The claim, filed last week, details accusations against officers at the Central Police Station in Grand Bahama, where Mr Cash was reportedly detained for 12 hours, assaulted, and charged with disorderly behavior and obscene language. These charges were dismissed in July 2023 by Magistrate Laquay Laing, who ruled that Mr Cash’s actions were merely those of an attorney passionately defending his client’s rights.
According to court documents, Mr Cash asserts that he was denied access to his client, Mermaid ‘Mervie’ Knowles, who was in custody at the time. He claims he was grabbed by the collar by a sergeant, dragged to the front desk, and placed in an unsanitary, overheated cell with limited access to restroom facilities and legal counsel. Mr Cash described the experience as humiliating and traumatic, causing post-traumatic stress and damage to his professional reputation, exacerbated by national media coverage of his arrest and prosecution.
In his filing, Mr Cash is seeking $11,390 in special damages to cover expenses such as airfare, car rental, accommodation, and legal representation related to the incident. Additionally, he is pursuing general, aggravated, exemplary, and vindicatory damages for alleged breaches of his constitutional rights under Articles 17, 19, 20, and 25 of the Constitution. The defendants, the Commissioner of Police and the Attorney General, are being sued in their official capacities under the Crown Proceedings Act.