分类： society

Two months into the government’s initiative to deploy police officers to ‘high-risk’ schools, the program’s effectiveness remains under scrutiny. This measure was introduced to combat the escalating trend of school violence, but its outcomes have been inconsistent. While the Education Minister has noted a decline in suspensions, school principals report varying levels of success. Some schools have seen improved student discipline, while others have experienced minimal reductions in violence. The lack of clear guidelines defining the role and responsibilities of police officers in schools has emerged as a significant concern. Principals, who are legally accountable for school safety, cannot directly supervise or instruct these officers, creating ambiguity in their operational framework. Additionally, the inexperience of newly trained special reserve officers in handling the unique dynamics of school environments has hindered their effectiveness. Addressing the root causes of school violence, such as socio-economic factors and community normalization of abuse, remains critical. While initial assessments suggest some progress, stakeholders emphasize the need for continuous dialogue and program refinement to address these deep-seated issues.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, the Port of Spain City Corporation has launched a disaster relief initiative to support affected communities. The hurricane, which struck on October 28 with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, caused widespread destruction and claimed 28 lives, marking it as one of the most powerful storms in Jamaica’s history. The Port of Spain City Corporation has expressed profound gratitude to donors who have contributed non-perishable food items and clothing, while urging others to join the effort. An official emphasized the importance of compassion during such tragedies, stating, “We remain deeply grateful to those who have given and those who will give.” The corporation is also collaborating with local businesses, some of which are organizing their own donation drives. During a visit to the collection site at City Hall on November 4, workers were seen diligently recording and storing donated items. Craig Magloire, an employee of the corporation, highlighted the impact of even small contributions, saying, “One tin can make a difference in someone’s life.” Jamaican music icon Sean Paul, who pledged $50,000 to match donations to Food For The Poor Jamaica, described the devastation as “overwhelming” and shared his concern for children traumatized by the storm. He also visited St Mary, a less affected area, where residents remain without electricity and unaware of the full extent of the destruction elsewhere.

A devastating fire erupted on November 4 at a two-storey residence on Pooran Street in Williamsville, leaving ten individuals, including three children, without a home. The blaze originated on the first floor, which contained two bedrooms, and rapidly consumed the upper level. Fortunately, all family members were on the ground floor preparing lunch when they heard a loud explosion-like noise, prompting them to evacuate immediately. ‘We are grateful that no one was injured or killed,’ said Rasheana Ali, a resident of the home. The family, which includes Ali’s husband, their son, her parents, two sisters, their spouses, and an unmarried sister, lost all their belongings in the fire. Ali’s mother, Elaine Mohammed, who is battling cancer, experienced a panic attack during the incident and required medical attention due to elevated blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Firefighters responded within 20 minutes and managed to contain the fire, though the ground floor sustained water damage and structural weakening. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with initial speculation pointing to a flammable substance such as perfume. Local officials, including Princes Town MP Dr. Aiyna Ali and Councillor Vincent Raghoo, visited the site and pledged support for the family. The disaster management unit provided three mattresses, but the family’s long-term housing arrangements are still undetermined. Raghoo has urged the public to assist in rebuilding efforts. The financial impact of the damage is yet to be assessed.

A legal dispute involving a Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) staff sergeant has escalated to the Court of Appeal, following a 2023 High Court ruling that dismissed his challenge against the Chief of Defence Staff’s (CDS) decision to block his promotion. Staff Sergeant Russell Reyes contends that Justice Nadia Kangaloo erred in her judgment, arguing that the CDS overstepped legal boundaries by rejecting a recommendation for his promotion to Warrant Officer Class II. Reyes maintains that the disciplinary infraction cited against him was a “spent” conviction and should not have influenced the decision, as it was no longer part of his service record under military law. He also highlighted an unreasonable delay in addressing the disciplinary matter, which further complicated his case. Reyes first challenged the CDS’s decision in 2022, filing a judicial review application with a certificate of urgency, as he was nearing his mandatory retirement date of January 25, 2023. Had he succeeded, he would have remained in the Defence Force until 2026. However, Justice Kangaloo ruled in October 2023 that Reyes was still under probation when his disciplinary reprimand expired, rendering him ineligible for promotion. She also affirmed that the CDS acted within his authority to deny the promotion in the operational interest of the TTDF. In his appeal, Reyes argued that the judge miscalculated key dates and misinterpreted the CDS’s authority under the Defence Act. He emphasized that his severe reprimand, imposed in March 2021, was “spent” by November 2021, months before his promotion recommendation in early 2022. Reyes is seeking to have the High Court’s ruling overturned, reinstatement to the rank of Warrant Officer Class II, or compensation for lost pay and benefits. His attorney, Arden Williams, argued that the CDS unlawfully intervened in the promotion process, which is an administrative function under the Defence Force Act. Williams also questioned whether the CDS was acting as the designated officer for the Defence Council, which oversees the TTDF’s command, administration, and discipline. The Appeal Court judges have requested additional submissions on the presumption of regularity regarding the CDS’s actions, with a ruling expected after further consideration.